Western saddle fitters in Dorset/Somerset?

[ridefast]

I'm looking for a western saddle but I don't know how to fit them - all their measurements are different to english saddles - and I'm on a budget, can probably stretch to £200 but not much more than that. I've seen western saddles for sale this cheap but wary about buying anything when I haven't the first clue about fitting them. Is there any saddle fitters that would have a selection to bring out and try on my horse? I know english saddle fitters do this.

 

[sbloom]

I have to say that £200 is a really tiny budget, I have no idea if it's possible to find anything for that money, I have heard good things of http://western-saddler.co.uk/

 

[TPO]

You'll struggle to find anything of good quality within that budget. The ones you'll have seen will more than likely be the poor quality foreign made saddles. Personally I'd avoid these.

Sbloom is correct in that Maria seems to be the only western saddle fitter that travels. There are more and more western tack shops opening up and most trainers can fit the saddles.

Not sure where you are but there are tack shops linked to trainers like David Deptford (Sterling Quarter Horses) and Lee (argh, his surname escapes me just now) at Oakridge Quarter Horses.

IMO you'll have to at least double your budget to get a 2nd hand good saddle and then the pads ( necessary) aaverage around £50 2nd hand for basic types.

Look on www.thewesternshop.com for an idea of prices. They might be able to source 2nd hand for you too. IIRC a lady named Fiona has taken over this shop and she's lovely so worth asking her for help/ opinions too.