What to expect from a saddle fitting appointment

What to expect from your saddle fitting appointment?

Buying a new saddle is often one of the most significant purchases you make for your horse. Our team of saddle fitters is here to give you the best independent advice and access to the widest selection of saddles brands possible. However, if you already have a saddle we are happy to check the fit for you and you can still expect the same things from the appointment.

What we need:

• The rider to be fit and ready to ride for the appointment.
• A flat surface where your horse can be secured.
• Either a secure flat field or ideally an arena/school/ménage
• A clean horse with bridle, girth, stirrups, and saddle cloth (we can provide these if needed)

What we will do:

• Take a template of your horse's back.
• Examine the horse's back for any soreness, lumps, bumps, or cuts.
• Assess the fit of your current saddle, we won't sell you one if you don't need it.
• Shortlist saddles that might work for both horse and rider.
• Watch saddles ridden at a walk, trot, and canter (if appropriate for horse and rider level).  If you’re looking at buying a jump saddle it’s also good to have jumps available at the appointment.
• If you decide to buy a saddle on the day of the appointment, we will issue you with an invoice and a right to cancel form.

How long does it take?

• Checking your current saddle usually takes 1 1/2 hours but can take longer, so please leave plenty of time.
• If you're buying a new saddle from us, please allow at least 2 hours for the fitting appointment, but it can take longer.

Buying from us:

• Please be prepared to pay for your appointment on the day, our fitters can take debit card or credit card payments, or they can email you an invoice to pay via bank transfer.
• If you're interested in using our 12-month interest-free finance, please let the saddle fitter know and they can arrange the finance application and take the deposit at the appointment.
• You have a 14 day returns period on your new purchase, so don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions 0208 308 0500.
• We will issue you with an invoice and a right to cancel form for every saddle purchased.

Follow-up appointments:

• If you've had your existing saddle checked and our saddlers have only made some small adjustments, we recommend booking in to have the saddle assessed again in about 6 months.
• If you've purchased a new saddle, we recommend you book an appointment to have it checked in 3 months. We recommend this earlier appointment as flocking in new saddles can bed down and need to be topped up and horses often change shape after being ridden in a new saddle for a few months.

If you would like to book an appointment please go to our online booking form Saddle fitting booking form