Western tack shop in S East?

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Tinypony

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Is there anywhere within a reasonable distance of Kent? I just want to go and look before I buy, but think I might be stuck with internet shopping.
 
I would be very interested in knowing too. All the western shops seem to be up north. The nearest I can find is The Western Saddler based in Hampshire and at 55p a mile the cost of a saddle fitting would make your eyes water!
 
I just want to buy a nice cinch for my Bob Marshall Sports saddle, and possibly a lovely new pad with memory foam similar to a Skito or Haf pad. Sometimes when you're spending some hard earned cash it's good to have that experience of browsing, touching and generally lusting over stuff you can't afford before you finally make a purchase. But I think you're right, I don't think there is anywhere.
 
Tiny pony, could I ask where you got your Bob Marshall from and how good you find it? I was wondering what they would be like for a flat backed cob, but knowing next to nothing about western saddles and also living in kent, I'm a bit stumped.
 
They're a bit like hen's teeth in the UK. I was lucky and got mine from EBay at a very good price in the lull between Xmas and New Year. Western saddles are very difficult to get for flat backed cobs, if you get a real western you'll definitely need a fitter. A BM is a bit easier because they are treeless.

Would you like to pm me? If you're in Kent maybe we could so something about you having a go in my saddle?
 
Really nice offer tinypony, for which I thank you, but I'm still mulling over whether I want to try western or not- that's the problem with not having anywhere near to go and look.
There is the EquiExpo at kent show ground on may17th, I've just looked at the website and there is going to be some western tack there, so maybe you could find a cinch.
 
Thanks Follysmum.
Cobgoblin, my Bob Marshall doesn't really count as a "proper" western saddle. I really like it because of the flexibility in fitting and it's nice and light. I'm a bit of a treeless saddle geek though, at the moment I also have a HM Vogue.
I need to sort this out before 17th May unfortunately, because I'm riding with Amanda Barton (Mark Rashid instructor) from 6th! Yes, I know it's a bit last minute, but I waited to get paid.

Oh! I think Fallowbrook used to be the European Equestrian Centre many moons ago. I used to go there for dressidge lessons. I'll get in touch tomorrow.
 
If you are not in a big rush, you could try emailing the office at Sterling Quarter Horses to find out which mobile Western tack stores are planning to attend the next round of Garden of England Circuit/British Reining horse shows at Bodiam, near Sandhurst? There's normally two or three tack stores at these events, a couple are running in May. http://www.gardenofenglandcircuit.co.uk/index.php?page=news
 
thanks k89, i never knew about this store which is close enough for special visits. have bookmarked the site.

i have other western sites mentioned also in my bookmarks. i love western saddles as i currently have two plus one on loan. saddles two do not fit an the genuine western saddles are too heavy for me
 
Geography isn't a strong point of mine but try The Western Shop and Classic Equine (both have sites) as they travel around to the shows too. Fiona from The Western Shop is lovely and very helpful
 
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