would this be reasonable to ask of my saddler

LeannePip

LeannePip

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saddler came out last friday to check flocking of my saddle - needed some stuffing, and just commented that there was a bit of stitching to do on the underside of the saddle - just oldage catching up with it, i explained that i had two shows in the next week and he assured me it would last as wasnt major and could just drop it in when it wasnt needed and he could do it to pick up in a couple of days - but whilst he was there i enquired about a jumping saddle for the pony and he just so happened to have a second hand albion K2 (exactly what i always wanted) in the right size in teh van - tryed it on - didnt need anthing doing too it and within my budget and said i would catch up with him as was waiting to get paid, problem is i havent acctually ridden in the saddle and as its going to be more of a multipurpose saddle i want to try it in a couple of situations jumping hacking ect would it be unreasonable to ask to trial the saddle whilst he has mine in for fixing? the saddles are of similar value - he does alot of work for our yard and he knows where we live ;) so its not like i'd be trying to run off with it - i just want to try it out more throughly than you can on a fitting day? opinions?
 
no harm in asking :) I was loaned a saddle to try once, similar situation. I didn't end up buying it but I did buy another from the same saddler subsequently.
 
I would always want to try a saddle properly, it may appear to fit but you must ride in it to ensure the horse and you are happy, I have a horse in the yard that hated the Albions we tried they restricted his shoulder when jumping.

Our local saddlery will let you take any second hand saddles for a 10 day trial, you just leave cc details or a returnable cheque and can trial several at one time.
 
thank you! wondered if i was being a bit cheeky to ask! its not like were new customers trying to do a runner - just generally want to try it out! :D
 
If I was your saddler I'd be reluctant to try it incase you damaged it - accidently of course.

Might be better to ask him if you can try it but offer to give him the money first and then he can always refund you when the saddle is returned in it's original condition :D.
 
My saddler always lets me trial. But he has fitted my horses for years. Usuaully there is trust in the horse world. We're a relatively small lot who all tend to know each other locally so word gets around if someone isn't OK!
 
If you don't ask, you don't get!- don't think it would be unreasonable to ask him if you can try it for a few days, then if it's what you want and fits, you could then get him to check it again, to give it the final yes.

My old Saddlers used to let me take loads away to try whenever i wanted, they did know me and knew where i lived so that probably helped, but if they didn't know people they would jot down their card details and let them take a few away at a time.
 
Our saddler lets you borrow 2nd hand ones to trial but not new (then they aren't new really after a day or twos borrowing!). He is happy to spend as long as you like at a fitting trying out new saddles to make sure primarily horse is comfy in it, but also that the rider is comfortable in the saddle.
No harm in asking, but if it is a new saddle then don't be offended if he says no.
 
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