Saddlers - how much?

[Steorra]

I need to organise for a saddle fitter to come out and check my new share horse's saddle. It was professionally fitted when it was bought for her but for the past several years she has had a full-time loaner who uses her own tack, so she hasn't worn it for a long time.

She seems comfortable in it and had no objections when I rode her last night, but it looks slightly too wide at the front, so I'm not completely happy. She is lacking muscle behind and around her withers, and that is where it doesn't fit. So I need some professional advice as to whether the saddle is fine (leaving room for muscle development) or whether it needs adjusting.

How much is it likely to cost me to have a fitter come out and check? How much for reflocking? I have genuinely no idea and don't want to be ripped off!

This is something my lovely parents have always organised and paid for (I am very lucky) so please excuse my ignorance.

 

[Kizzy2004]

It probably depends where you are but i had the saddler out the other day and the call out was £40 if they don't have to do anything (just check or trying other saddles and you don't buy). My saddle was re-flocked and had to have a new gullet (wintec saddle usually around £17 in their shop) and he did it all for £50!!

 

[Empy&Treacle]

Hi Steorra,

My saddler came out a month or so ago and fitted my dressage saddle to my new horse. It needed re-flocking and in total it costs me about £59! Even if we took the horses to the saddler it wasn't a lot cheaper - couple of pounds!!

 

[doris2008]

I had saddler a few weeks back - well known one. Cost me £70 in total including coming out, checking fit and reflocking.

 

[Steorra]

Thank you! £50-70 is definitely manageable. Now just have to keep my fingers crossed that she doesn't need a new one...