What would you expect to pay for a saddle check?

C

Crazydancer

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 July 2010
Messages
1,737
Location
Wimborne
Visit site
Just had my new saddle fitted for my new horse, and thought I'd best get the old boy's saddle checked too, as he's getting on a bit now.

So while saddle fitter (who sold the new saddle to me) was there she checked. I do need to look at getting a pad or something, and although she did no work on the saddle, she gave me some advice and charged me for the check.

How much would you have expected to pay for that second check? (Bearing in mind I had already paid her for coming out and fitting the new saddle)

???
 
Normally I would say £40 ish including call out charge, but if you've just bought a new saddle, hopefully free, especially if it didn't take much time.

My saddler came to check the gullet & flocking on my adjustable saddle for a new horse, but didn't charge me for a quick check to see if my pony's synthetic saddle was a reasonable fit after having it fitted 2 years previously by a different saddler.
 
I had my saddle checked last week, and with travel (shared with 1 other), and quite a bit of reflocking on one side, and her watching me ride in it I was charged about £33. (+ vat made it about £40)
I thought that was good value.
 
I have just paid £30.00 to have mine checked normally £35.00 but as a few of us were done price slightly reduced, so perhaps half of what they would normally charge as you have just purchased the new one from them, if it turns out just a check,but if it needs works not sure
 
Mine charges £20 I think for a check, if you buy a saddle you don't pay for fitting.

When I bought a saddle from her, she checked a few of a friends horses, and part ex'ed one of her saddles, just charged the balance for the saddle and no fitting for any of them.
She also checked a saddle she'd sold to another lady a few months before and it was either free or £5.00, I can't remember exactly.
 
Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm probably a bit out of touch.... I last had a leather saddle made-to-measure, about 12 years ago, paid £650 and got initial consult and measure, 2nd visit to fit and check, and a year on check and re-fit all included, from a saddler who had to travel 25 -30 miles or so. Service was fantastic and worth every penny, thought that was great value.

This time round, 1st visit, synthetic saddle already in the car £400 paid. 2nd visit to check fit £50, (as horse was unexpectedly lame on 1st visit so couldn't ride) Also paid £20 for wider gullet for saddle in case it's needed when she fills out. Then walked out to field to plop old saddle on older horse. Extra £30.

I have to admit I was rather taken aback by the extra £30.... I had been told she charged this, but thought it would be for any work to the saddle, hadn't realised it was going to cost that for her to say 'it doesn't fit now' which TBH I knew already! That was an expensive 5 mins!!! I can get an hours lesson from a decent instructor for that! :D
 
blimey:eek: I'd be a bit cheesed off at paying £30 for someone to just look at a saddle, i know they do a skilled job and can't do everything for free but it doesn't encourage repeat custom does it:(
 
i dont pay for them as i am a valued customer of the tack shop. i pay 35 pounds for a restuff/fittingbut for a check that the saddle is ok nothing
 
Ibblebibble said:
blimey:eek: I'd be a bit cheesed off at paying £30 for someone to just look at a saddle, i know they do a skilled job and can't do everything for free but it doesn't encourage repeat custom does it:(
Click to expand...

Nope. Especially as I just checked on Robinson's and could have bought the gullet (if needed) for £15.... I daren't look how much the saddle would have been. Just as well OH doesn't know how much I'm spending.....:eek:
Still got to get girth,leathers, stirrups and a new bridle too.... *gulp*
Ebay here I come! :D
 
I also would be rather annoyed at paying £30 for her to look and say "that doesn't fit" perhaps if she'd done something to make it fit I'd be slightly less peeved...

When I bought my saddle, (Kent & Masters Cob GP) the initial visit was included in the cost of the saddle - as was the 6 week check up.
Maybe you could look around to find cheaper saddlers in your area - or at least get an estimate beforehand so you know what you're paying for before the saddler gets there!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top