what actually happens when a saddle fitters comes out to "check your saddle"?

mightymammoth

mightymammoth

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Hi,

Could anyone advise me of the process when a saddle fitter comes out to check if your horses saddle fits?

Are they able to check bit fittings as well?

I am going to arrange a fitter to check the saddle my ned came with to see if its ok but was just wondering what the fitter did, how long it takes and how much you would expect to pay for this service,

thanks
 
Usually she looks at the horse naked and takes a measurement of the withers. Then she observes the saddle on the horse with no numnah, girth etc. If she is happy with the fit, we then tack up and she watches horse in walk, trot and canter. If I have had any issues with slipping etc we discuss this before she starts and she observes this when being ridden. Then if possible she makes any adjustments on site, put saddle back on and check changes are successful. Time spent depends on whether it needs altering, price again varies depending on whether it needs working on and if it does how much work is needed.
 
That's pretty much what happens when I go out to check a saddle, plus paperwork afterwards including taking a tracing. I wouldn't check a bit, totally different skill set - officially a loriner is a bit expert but usually you'd ask a trainer to check and help with advice on which bit to use.
 
Hi,
I'm sorry to hijack the thread, but is it possible to tell that the saddle is a good fit without doing a tracing or seeing the saddle ridden in?
Ive had 3 saddle fitters check two saddles to my horse and none of them have done any of this, they just put the saddle on and say yes or no to it fitting.
I'm not convinced that there aren't problems with the saddles, but I don't know how else to check if the people I'm paying dont do the fitting correctly?
Kx
 
Well you can get a saddle fitter out to check a saddle before you back them. So yes in that way. But usually they should watch you ride in it which is actually the point of having it fitted. If you do jumping its a good idea to jump in it as well. Also use the saddle cloth you are going to use. They may recommend using a different done.

Everything should be the same as normal when riding. They should also give your saddle a good check and look for damage and although you cant always tell there are signs which are you can hold the saddle at both ends and it moves and there might be a crease across the seat.

Just dont be bullied into buying one by anyone if your not happy with how its been fitted.
 
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There's some tips on saddle fitting on here

http://unicornleather.co.uk/Return-Policy-on-Leatherwork.php

ignore the waffle about buying new from that site as it won't apply, scroll down to the saddle section, it won't tell you how exactly a saddle is fitted but what to expect whilst it is being fitted.

PS if you have a traditional saddler out he/she will/should also hold a Lorinery certificate and should be able to fit your bit as well as your bridle, infact all saddlery!
 
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Interesting cremedemonthe - I guess I can talk only about saddle fitters and not Master Saddlers.

If I fit a saddle to an unbacked horse i make it very clear to the rider/owner that it is not a full fit - if you know your saddle trees that you use really well, you can have a good idea about what tree should work long term and not just now, but the exact width and flocking required really needs the saddle to be ridden in, and I would not fit in normal circumstances without seeing a horse ridden. I take a tracing at the end of a fitting - not all horses fit true to their tracing and it can be misleading. You have to fit the horse in front of you, not some theory of their shape.
 
The fitter should have a good look at your horse, check for problems in a static back, discuss with you workload etc. Then give you a full explanation of the working of the back, including muscle names if you wish to know, spinal position and problems you may have with the horse, especially loss of muscle. The saddler should be able to explain exactly how this occurs and demonstrate the muscular activity of the horse whilst static, and why this should be so.

Then they should fit an appropriate saddle, which preferably should be one you are able to purchase on the day (you should have been able to discuss colour preferences etc before the appointment). You should be able to ride in this and any other saddle for a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably much longer, especially if at competition level. At this point the saddler should be able to discuss the balance and biomechanics of horse and rider, suggest exercises etc for either if required to help the horse / saddle / rider relationship and ensure that the saddle works to your best advantage. After riding the saddler should be able to sell you the saddle you have ridden in, if one is ordered this should be discussed to check that you can reject if required. You may also be able to hire a saddle for a few months if your horse has a particular problem which needs a short term saddle. You should also be offered a follow up appointment to check and adjust, within 3 months.

Your saddler should be as much a part of your team as a physio, farrier or trainer, someone you have a longer term relationship with, not just a purchase! Often the ones recommended are the best saddle fitters, they have no need to advertise!

You should be left with the feeling you have after a really good lesson, happy and looking forward to the future!
 
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