The best company to use for made to measure saddles?

annar

annar

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Im looking at getting a made to measure saddle for my thoroughbred. So far every off the peg saddle thats been fitted has caused back issues so ive decided its time to go m2m even if he does change shape eventually. Fit and comfort is most important. Hes a young tb, never raced with a nice back but hes croup high so does push saddles into withers, hes also short backed.
I need someone who comes highly recommended who can sort me and my lad out.
We are in Sheffield.
So far ive found someone called Paul wiles who does several types but mainly Frank baines. Jenny clough who does farrington and a chap from Barnsby. Thanks.
 
A friend of mine has a Jeremy Rudge saddle and really rates the saddle and the people.
I know that several off the peg saddlers also offer a m2m service like Albion and Ideal, if you phone them they will tell you who their fitters/stockist are near you.
 
Claire Fitzmaurice of All Saddle Solutions - she is based in Halifax and I honestly can't recommend her highly enough. All three of our gees have these saddles and I've been thrilled with them. Made a fantastic difference to husband's cob and my Connie! Read the testimonials on the website, including one from my riding instructor who writes about the difference it made to her excellent showjumper. Claire is not a big business but that's one of the things I like about the company.
 
I've just taken delivery of my second m2m Black Country and am delighted with both the new one (a GPX) and the old one, an Eloquence dressage. All their agents are listed on their web site so must be one in your area.
 
I would also recommend Black Country, I have a m2m Wexford and it is the best saddle I have ever had. They can tailor any of their saddles to fit pretty much any horse and have fitters all over the country.
 
I recommend that you try Strada saddles first!

They have tree shapes and different panel thickness's.

Ilga travels everywhere so would def give her a call first!
 
I have 2 Black Country Saddles - all their saddles are MTM, they do not sell 'off the peg'
Very highly recommend, excellent choice of saddles, and you can completely customise your saddle - doeskin seat and knees if required, vintage leather for extra grip, etc etc.
 
http://rydersaddles.com/our-saddles

We had a Virage M2M. The horse was difficult to fit, and even the tree was made for him. We were able to chose every part of the saddle from the leather, colour of the stitching, and the welt. There was even an extra layer put into the seat, as the rider had a bony bum! The price came in at less than an off the peg 'premium' saddle - absolutely beautiful :)
 
My TB sounds exactly the same as yours. I am a sworn convert to The Saddle Company ever since they sorted out the Ginger Ninja who was actually impossible to fit (for some unknown reason!!). I phoned their main office and asked for their recommendations on their best fitters and I had Sam Barratt come out, who was fantastic. Not sure she would come up your way but you could ask them. Oh, and my saddle only cost £600 M2M. They aren't everyones cup of tea but since I started using them I have not had a single back problem or issue with my horses.
 
I had a Spalding saddle for my high withered, hollows and bumps ISH a few years ago. It was a brilliant individual fit, with little extra gussets where he needed them. I would highly recommend them.
 
Most of the saddles recommended to you are actually bench made saddles with adjustments made to things like rear gusset depth, flap length etc, true made to measure is slightly different. There are lots of companies who make traditional Walsall bench made saddles who could combine the right tree and saddle design for you, I'd recommend working with a great fitter because they can make ALL the difference. Going after a brand when the local fitter may not be that good is not always the best way to go.
 
sbloom said:
I'd recommend working with a great fitter because they can make ALL the difference. Going after a brand when the local fitter may not be that good is not always the best way to go.
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sbloom, I wish that you could be cloned and therefore cover the whole country! It's FINDING a great fitter that's the problem (see recent dark arts of dentistry and saddle fitting thread).

I've been shafted too many times, even though I take great care in trying to get a skilled and honest professional.
 
Depends on your budget and what type of saddle you are after but if you want a dressage and can afford the £3kish I can recommend a Schleese. They fit not only your horse but you as well, and when they are taking the order for the saddle the take numerous measurements. Ergonomic Saddles fit them in the UK.http://www.ergonomicsaddlefitting.com/ - Laura does sell Schleese but she is also independent and will suggest others or give her opinion on your ideas - you pay for her time so she isn't intent on a commission. You get to try several designs (they now make a VSD) and decide which is best for you - you also get a couple of fittings a few months down the line.
I also know people who really rate the WOW, which is modular so can be infinitely adjusted, But yes, get a good fitter - the Society of Master Saddlers list is a good place to start or maybe ask some of the big companies who they recommend in your area? http://www.mastersaddlers.co.uk/
 
I have bought many made to measure saddles over the years most where ideals if I was going cheap and cheerful and had had many beauiful Albion saddles MTM and I have six or seven patriots which I love .
You need tosure the tree and saddle shape is suitable for your horse ( and yourself ) some saddles just are suited to some horses or people and no amount of MTMing will change this , this is where you need to trust the saddler and why I use one that sells many brands and types of saddle .
 
We had an Ideal M2M for a new hunter that was on the huh. He needed a cut back head and OH likes big knee blocks as he whips in. He likes the seat of an Albion and wanted decent flaps. That it was he wanted and that it was he got. Beautiful saddle that fitted properly and still does.
 
JillA said:
But yes, get a good fitter - the Society of Master Saddlers list is a good place to start
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It should be, shouldn't it! Alas not always in practice, according my past experiences. I've been down the m to m route in the past, too.

I think I'm OK at the mo with my 2 Kent and Masters s series, but its been a tortuous route getting there. At least they were cheap, too!

sbloom, I didn't realise that you came that far oop north, very interesting :).
 
thanks for all your comments. I'm obviously worried about getting it wrong again and inevitably causing more issues for my boy, its such a minefield. My budget will be more like £1200 possibly a bit more dependent on Xmas pressies, unfortunately cant afford £3000 although ive probably spent that in last 18 months. ive been told by a couple ive spoken to that going with black country would be a good option. Can i ask who Laura is and if she has a website? x
 
Tiddlypom said:
sbloom, I wish that you could be cloned and therefore cover the whole country! It's FINDING a great fitter that's the problem (see recent dark arts of dentistry and saddle fitting thread).

I've been shafted too many times, even though I take great care in trying to get a skilled and honest professional.
Click to expand...

Sorry, not intending to highjack here, but know what you mean "Tiddlypom", I've been thoroughly wiped the floor with after I'd bought a saddle in good faith and spent good money on it!!! This after I'd given the people who run the company at least £4000+ worth of business in both new saddles and follow-up visits.

Be careful peep's, be very careful indeed. All that glitters is not gold; and all that tastes like honey might not be that sweet, after time. If you can, as with other goods, pay for a saddle by credit card coz then at least you have some measure of consumer protection.

I cannot name and shame on here; but feel free to PM me.

Sorry, I didn't want to interrupt OP's thread with a "saddle woes" thread............:)
 
Black Country - no contest.

Lovely lovely saddles, soooo comfy. I have the Richochet M2M
Had blocks made on outside to hold me in, forward cut extra 2" as I am tall and a 18" seat

It fits my like a glove. I love it.
 
Laura Whitteron, is Ergonomic Saddle Fitting - the link I gave you is to her website but it was down for maintenance although it does have her contact email. She did have a Facebook presence as ESF but I have just checked and it has gone. She is due to come and check mine soon but I know she was very busy, maybe that is why her FB page has gone. She is on there as herself.
 
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