28/07/2010 - Buying a new saddle?
Considering Buying a New Saddle........
After buying your horse, purchasing a saddle is potentially your second biggest investment and it's important to get it right.
The saddle is a communication platform. A well Balanced Saddle equals a Balanced Rider and therefore a more Balanced Horse, without this equation, comfort is compromised and progression is more difficult.
So where do you buy your new saddle from... saddle fitters, your local saddlers, online & mail order magazines? The options are vast.
In many instances when you buy a horse the saddle also comes too. The saddle may have been fitted to the horse but it is important to consider when was the saddle fitted and when it was last checked (a saddle fitted when your horse was an immature 4 may not be fitting as well now they are a more mature 8 year old). Also think about your build and conformation that too may differ from that of the previous rider so the saddle may not assist your riding as best it could. To start your partnership off on the right foot, checking a saddle that comes with the horse for fit and suitability is a must for both you and your horse and preferably within the first few weeks of ownership.
The internet is a fantastic tool and forum for all things equestrian, whilst there are many bargains to be had there are also a few pitfalls to beware of. Saddle fitting isn't always straight forward so you need to ask are you confident to buy and fit a saddle yourself. Consider what's the return policy if the saddle proves to be unsuitable, do you know the saddle history if purchasing second hand and lastly what's your back up, some saddle fitters may not be willing to check a saddle purchased from elsewhere, if this is the case who will maintain and check the fitting of your saddle.
A good saddle fitter will let you try before you buy. Having a new saddle fitted but not being allowed to girth and ride in the saddle just isn't good saddle fitting practice. Saddle fitting can be broken down into 3 parts, firstly horse assessment and placing saddles on the horse, secondly girthed and mounted and finally ridden preferably in all 3 paces. At any one of these intervals the saddle fit may change or differ in a positive or negative way. You cannot fully asses a saddle's suitability if parts 2 & 3 are missed out so therefore why would you buy?
My recommendation would be to buy from and use a Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) Qualified Saddle Fitter (QSF), having this City & Guilds accredited qualification means the fitter has had a minimum of 3 years training and fitting experience and once qualified there is a code of practice to be adhered to as well as attending regular refresher courses.
In my experience its customer service and after care that counts and here at Crewe Saddlery Just 4 Saddles we pride ourselves in offering the North West's leading Qualified Saddle Fitting Service. With 4 Qualified fitters on staff and over 50 years combined experience we are passionate about horse & rider, we don't just want to sell you the saddle and run off, we know saddle fitting is ongoing and progressive.
Engaging Crewe Saddlery Just 4 Saddles to carry out your saddle fitting involves:
- Initially discussing your requirements, what saddle style are you looking for and what are you aiming to do, we'll need details of your horse & you too. In most situations we can gather this information over the phone but if you'd rather see the saddle range first feel free to visit our saddle showroom
- Fitting Part 1: Assessment of your horse's conformation and history and how this could affect the saddle fitting
- Profile recording to help us monitor and assess changes in your horse's shape
- Trying on a selection of new saddles from our leather or synthetic collections, short listing the possibilities. With over 65 saddles styles to choose from we can usually accommodate most requirements & budgets
- Fitting Part 2: Assessing the short listed saddles both girth & mounted.
- Fitting Part 3: Assessing the short listed saddles ridden in 3 paces preferably and over jumps if required, if there are 5 saddles that look good you can try them all!
- Custom making a saddle - if the saddle fitting proves a little more challenging we can usually order something to spec to suit you and your horse's requirements
- Giving recommendations on girthing and numnah combinations
- A 7 Day Trial Facility - on any new saddle purchased, giving you and your horse the opportunity to really try the saddle out and adapt to the new feel. If you're not happy within 7 days of purchase you can have your money back
- A tailored saddle check regime, we'll advise you when to next review your saddle
- A text message reminder service that your saddle review is due
- Continued assessment & maintenance of your fitted saddle
Remember to allow time for your appointment, having a new saddle fitted will take a minimum of 1 - 2 hours.
Our fitting fee to fit a new saddle is £35 per horse plus mileage if over 10 miles. If you come to us to buy a new saddle, fitting is FREE. Saddle check fees start from £35 plus mileage plus any alteration.
For more information or to talk saddles please contact Crewe Saddlery Just 4 Saddles on 01270 584551, we'll be happy to help.
Useful websites
www.crewesaddlery .co.uk
www.masterssaddlers.co.uk
