Trading Standards question and new saddles

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Dreckly

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I have recently had a fitter out for a new saddle. I rode in one I liked, but the fitter (and my instructor) agreed that we need the next width up for the horse. I paid a 50% deposit for the saddle and because this was an order decided to go for brown which is one of their standard colours.

Something occured to me today, if when the saddle arrives and it being a differnt width from the one I tried I don't like it, or it is not indeed the right fit for the horse, where do I stand? Do I have to purchase it or can I say no thanks and get my deposit back, which is a considerabe £1,800.
 
Try not to worry too much, the width for the horse shouldn't affect how it feels for you assuming it does fit correctly
 
Frumpoon said:
Try not to worry too much, the width for the horse shouldn't affect how it feels for you assuming it does fit correctly
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This is what concerns me. I couldn't try the saddle the correct size for the horse and what if when it arrives it isn't right. I have heard some real horror stories recently about saddle fitting and am just getting a little concerned.
 
It still needs to be fit for purpose (ie to fit the horse, you have to give them every opportunity to adjust it to fit), of merchantible quality (ie no manufacturing faults etc). You don't qualify for a trial period though so cannot change your mind without losing your deposit. It can become a grey area proving whether a saddle fits or not, hopefully all will be fine. Anyone ordering a made to order or custom saddle has 7 days from placing that order to cancel, after that you are in contract with them.
 
sbloom said:
It still needs to be fit for purpose (ie to fit the horse, you have to give them every opportunity to adjust it to fit), of merchantible quality (ie no manufacturing faults etc). You don't qualify for a trial period though so cannot change your mind without losing your deposit. It can become a grey area proving whether a saddle fits or not, hopefully all will be fine. Anyone ordering a made to order or custom saddle has 7 days from placing that order to cancel, after that you are in contract with them.
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Really? I am curious I have never actually heard. this; although I am not an expert in consumer law. What is the basis for your statements? Especially curious about the contract "happening" after 7 days; presumably all the requirements for a contract "happen" after 7 days I.e. Offer, acceptance, consideration etc.
 
Yes, my deposit was paid direct to the fitter.

I am not expecting a problem as the fitter is very experienced and comes highly recommended, it was just something that occured to me when reading a previous thread.
 
At that price, is it not an adjustable tree (within reason)? I think you may need to get into a discussion with the fitter about what happens if you or your horse isn't happy - a lot more is achieved with honey than vinegar and you may not have any problems to speak of once your fitter is on side.
 
I've just had a similar thing (though cheaper); have paid half deposit as saddle isn't 'off the shelve' and makers are having to make it specifically. Fitter assured me on ordering that they won't just dump me with it when it's ready. I HAVE to have another fitting for the new saddle and if it's not right or needs adjusting they will do that as part of the price. I would just have a quick chat with your fitter regarding what happens if the saddle arrives and needs adjusting etc.

My fitter (my first) made a real point about how she won't just sell a saddle without seeing it fitted as it's her reputation on the line.
 
CBAnglo said:
Really? I am curious I have never actually heard. this; although I am not an expert in consumer law. What is the basis for your statements? Especially curious about the contract "happening" after 7 days; presumably all the requirements for a contract "happen" after 7 days I.e. Offer, acceptance, consideration etc.
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A recent conversation with Trading Standards business advice service about new European consumer laws, distance trading I think, it wasn't me who had the conversation :). The 7 days is known as a cooling off period which you may have heard of, the contract is set up when you pay a deposit and sign the paperwork, it's just that you can cancel it within 7 days.
 
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