Facts about Fitting

Question: My Horse has White hair were the saddle fits - what causes this? Answer: White hair appears if the horse has had a badly fitted saddle and the circulation has been cut off for a length of time due to pressure or from an old injury. Question: How often does my saddle need checking? Answer: Ideally your saddle should be checked every 6 months but this does depend upon the amount of work it does. A horse does frequently change shape. Question: The back of my saddle moves up and down when i ride? Answer: This would normally mean that the saddle is too wide for your horse so it drops in front and pings up behind. Question: My horse has started to move short in front? Answer: This would mean the saddle is too narrow therefore stopping the shoulders from moving freely and encouraging the horse to take smaller strides. Question: I want a particular make of saddle - do all saddles fit the same? Answer: Sorry but different manufacturers make saddles/ trees in different ways. The Saddle you may want may not suit your horse. It is advisable to test different saddles before you buy to ensure the best fit for both you and your horse. We always bring a variety of brands, sizes and types to every fitting. Question: Do you fit saddles to the horse or rider? Answer: The horse always comes first but it is also important to take the riders size and shape into consideration. The saddle can also effect the rider's position and balance. Question: I have 2 Horses but I can only afford 1 Saddle? Answer: It is always best to have a saddle for each horse but if this is not possible fit the saddle to the wider horse. A poly pad can then be used for the narrower horse so the saddle isn't too tight. If the horses are completely different then I'm afraid this option may not be possible and a saddle is required for each. Question: I feel that I am sitting in the wrong position? Answer: This may be down to the fit of the saddle but if you have has this checked it maybe that the saddle is the wrong size or shape for you. Question: Why should I have you to fit my saddles? Answer: That's easy - I'm the best! Seriously, I have over 25 years experience fitting saddles all over the world for every type of horse. I have seen many different situations and scenarios including many different back & saddle problems. See the "Riders Comments" page to see what my customers have to say.