Sheila at Catlips - qualified saddle fitter?

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Footlights

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As subject says really - just wondered if anyone knew if Sheila from Catlips is a qualified saddle fitter. Or maybe not qualified but better than other saddle fitters around?

Thanks
 
Hi,
you can check on here to see if someone is a saddle fitter http://www.mastersaddlers.co.uk/ If they aren't on here then they aren't recognised by the SMS. Maybe they'll be decent (but then why not register?) but they equally could have just called themselves that if they please!
 
Thanks, I have checked and can't find her on there so I guess she is not.

I have heard good things about her - has anyone else used her?
 
Shiela at Catlips would not be a 'qualified saddle fitter' I would guess that at over 80 years old she precedes any qualifications. She probably has fitted more saddles than any qualified saddle fitter and has probably forgotten more than most of them know.

Her qualifications are those of a lifetime experience with all types of horse and pony.
 
I still can't believe she is over 80 years old!

Thanks very much, as long as the saddle fits the horse correctly then surely qualifications don't matter. I am sure there are plenty of 'qualified' people out there who have caused horses alot of back pain.

So, I take it you would trust her to fit a saddle to your horse then?
 
Quite right sport horse, experience over qualification anyday, especially with anthing to do with horses. I live in france, but make a trip to sheila's several times a year. It'll be a sad day when we lose her.
pen
 
Have used her several times (different horses) and always been happy with the result. If you look like you have half a clue she will allow you to contribute to the whole thing too, rather than talking down to you like some saddlers will. I like her 'cause she knows what she's talking about, the horse is happy with what she recommends, and she's down to earth and sensible about things. Then if your horse changes shape, you can take it back and trade the saddle in towards a new one - very good on the bank balance!
 
Sheila fitted 3 of my 4 saddles for my old pony (2 were changed due to shape change, 3rd one the tree broke) and I only wish she were closer to Scotland so she could fit my new ponies with theirs when the time comes! She is so helpful and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending her.
 
I don't think she is qualified and to me has recomended other saddle fitters but I would certainly take any advice she gives. Cracking lady, love going there.
 
Thanks everyone. I love Catlips too! Great place.

I am going to pick up my new horse next week, and as we are driving past her on the way home, we are going to stop with the horse and get a saddle fitted. I just wasn't sure whether I should get a 'qualified' saddle fitter out afterwards or just go by her advice and opinion.
 
I'd go with her advice personally- I have with nearly every horse i have owned.

Lex Wright is qualified and works with/for Sheila too.
 
sport horse said:
Shiela at Catlips would not be a 'qualified saddle fitter' I would guess that at over 80 years old she precedes any qualifications. She probably has fitted more saddles than any qualified saddle fitter and has probably forgotten more than most of them know.

Her qualifications are those of a lifetime experience with all types of horse and pony.
Click to expand...

This^^ Amazing lady and very fair on prices, too. :)
 
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