Who is your local qualified saddle fitter?

Do you find yourself googling 'Saddle fitters near me', but not knowing who to choose? Finding out who your local qualified saddle fitter is and building a connection with them is crucial to a happy, healthy horse.

In this article we will discuss where to find your local saddle fitter, how often you should have your saddle checked, what qualifications your fitter should hold, why choosing the right saddle fitter is important and when you should book your saddle fitter.

You can find your local saddle fitter here. 

How often should you have your saddle checked?

Your saddle fit should be checked at least every 6 months, but this may need to be more frequent if your horse is prone to changing condition throughout the year. You may also need to have your saddle fitter out more frequently you younger horses who are still developing muscle and condition.

It is really important to have your fitter out at least every 6 months so they can inspect your current saddle and ensure it is safe to use, as well as ensuring it fits both rider and horse. An ill fitting saddle can cause a number of behavioural issues in horses as a result of the pain caused by their saddle. You can learn more about this here, or browse The Saddle Bank Academy if you want to learn more about recognising signs of a poor fitting saddle.

Where can you find your local qualified saddle fitter?

You can find your local qualified saddle fitter on the Find a Fitter page of The Saddle Bank website. Here you will be able to enter your postcode and maximum budget for a saddle and find the fitters who are local to you. From here you will be able to contact them directly and make a booking for them to come out. The saddle fitters on the list are all independent saddle fitters. Please do your own due diligence in ensuring they are a good fit for you and your horse.

What qualifications do they hold?

The saddle fitters on the Find a Fitter page of The Saddle Bank website may hold different qualifications and includes SMS saddle fitters, Master saddle fitters, or Master Saddle Fitting Consultants.

However, it is really important that the fitter conducts the fitting appointment in the proper way for you. We hear so many stories of fitters not taking templates, not seeing saddles ridden in and horror stories about ill fitting saddles from 'Qualified saddle fitters'. 
Therefore it is really important that you are empowered as an owner to know what to expect on a saddle fitting appointment. 

What happens on a saddle fitting appointment?

• Your fitter will assess the horses conformation and history
• Your fitter will ask you to walk and trot the horse up on a hard surface where appropriate
• Your fitter will take templates and records
• Your fitter will check your existing saddle for soundness to ensure it is safe to use before checking the fit on the horse
• Your fitter will then check the fit of your existing saddle on the horse (or try new saddles on the horse if you are looking to replace the saddle) 
• They will check the fit statically (with the horse stood still)
• If the saddle looks to be a good fit, they will then see you ride in the saddle (ideally at 3 paces)
  Top Tip: Trot is where you can see the most movement in the saddle so this is a really important pace for your fitter to see ridden
• The fitter may then make any necessary changes to the saddle such as topping up the flocking, changing gullet bars, altering the width and so on. 
• You should then ride in the saddle again after any changes have been made to ensure a good fit
• Your fitter should leave you with a copy of the fitting assessment including your template and report

A saddle fitting appointment for a check on an existing saddle can take 45-90 minutes depending on what alterations need to be made. 

A saddle fitting for a new saddle can take anything from 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on how many saddles you need to try on. 

Why choosing the right saddle fitter is important.

Choosing the right saddle fitter for you and your horse is really important to ensure you get a good service and to ensure the saddle fitter has a suitable saddle for your budget and discipline.

If you are looking for a secondhand saddle, ensure you are working with a saddle fitter who offers second hand saddles. Some saddle fitters prefer only to deal with brand new saddles and maintain the saddles of their existing clients. To become a client you may need to purchase a brand new saddle. If your budget only allows for second hand you would be better to work with a fitter who offers secondhand saddles as well as new to avoid disappointment.

It would be also worth looking on the saddle fitters website to find out what brands they work with. If you are looking for a particular brand and the saddle fitter does not offer it you may find yourself disappointed.

However, it is always worth having a phone call with the fitter to see if they are a good match for you.

When should you book your saddle fitter?

Some saddle fitters are booked up for months in advance, some will not take any new clients and some are very accommodating and can get you in quite quickly. However, do book in advance where possible. When you have had your appointment it is also worth rebooking for your 6 monthly check on the same day to ensure you are booked in. If you have any saddle issues before your 6 monthly check you can always call or email your saddle fitter and have your appointment  brought forwards.

If you are a qualified saddle fitter and would like to work with The Saddle Bank, please get in touch info@thesaddlebank.com