What to expect...
To what to expect at a saddle fit (when looking for a new or second hand saddle) I will summarise what the process is (in the not too distant past a client would have sourced a number of saddles then asked the saddle fitter to come and access .
The process now days is that the saddle fitter will have a number of brands they work with and potentially a number of good quality second hand saddles.
· We always start by getting details of horse and rider including any accidents/injury
· we measuring the horse’s template wither and at t18(last rib) as well as a weight tape or cm measurement.(this gives us a size guide for saddles to try)
· An assessment of the horse confirmation particular to saddle fit, Assess feet, general stance.
· We then select a number of models that will suit and try these on and decide the few that we will ride in
· We then use shims to temporarily balance so we can see ridden from there we would change flock(wool), cair shims, gullet size etc to obtain the best fit
· It is important to see the saddle ridden to check for rider balance and comfort and fit in the saddle (ie leg length etc)
· We will then often leave the saddle for a few days trial
From there the gold standard is to have your saddle re balanced every 6 months (3 months for a new saddle for its first re fitting when wool or shims have settled)