Saddle fitting is one of the most important, but most misunderstood aspects of horse management.  A poorly fitting saddle can adversely affect both horse and rider causing physical damage as well as behavior and training issues that can often be remedied, or improved by having the saddle properly evaluated by a Certified Master Saddle Fitter. Provided there is ample room in the panels, and tree / gusset is correct for the horse, it may be possible that a flocking adjustment is all that is needed.  In some cases, the saddle may need to be replaced.

 I thought it would be a good idea to provide you with information about my qualifications, the saddle-fitting process, and a schedule of fees for future reference.  By reading and familiarizing yourself with this information, you will better understand the benefits of my service.

THE SADDLE-FITTING PROCEDURE

We follow an established ten basic “scientific” objective standards in determining whether a saddle properly fits.  All ten have been developed in conjunction with veterinary and other equine professionals’ input regarding the health, welfare and anatomy of the horse.  There are many other considerations which are also taken into account i.e. the size and riding ability of the rider, the horse’s way of going (no two are alike!), conformation, symmetry, and medical condition.  A truly competent Saddle Fitter will take all of these factors into account before recommending a solution to any saddle-fitting dilemma; therein lies the “art” of saddle-fitting – the ability to see beyond objective measures in order to understand how other factors may contribute to a “saddle-fitting” problem.

As a living creature, your horse’s back is subject to constant change.  Just as his hooves grow, his back can and will change over time due to variables such as diet, season, age, health, and level-of-work.  Your awareness of this fact will better enable you to maintain his back health.  When changes do occur, you should have your saddle checked by your fitter.  Assuming you purchased a wool-flocked saddle instead of one with pre-formed foam or felt panels, you will then have the opportunity to have the saddle adjusted in order to accommodate changes in your horse’s back.  Such adjustments, in most cases can be done on the spot.  To send your saddle off for flocking adjustments would be like having a dress made without having the person there to try it on!  The aim is to put in as little amount of wool as possible to individually match your horse’s conformation.  As a seamstress makes on the spot adjustments, your flocking adjustment requires the same amount of evaluation.