Saddle Fitting

Your saddle fitting appointment - FAQS

What information do I need to send before my appointment?

• Name, address, phone number, postcode of yard and any directions needed. 

• How many horses, saddles and riders you have to be seen. 

• If you need an existing saddle checked please inform us of the size, make and type of saddle and if it is flocked with wool, felt or air. If you are not sure don’t worry, just give what information you can. 

• Horse details; Name, age, height, breed/type, discipline, level of training. Any particular issues. 

• Rider details; Age, height, build, discipline, experience, and any special details or problems.

I'm looking for a new saddle, what other information should I send? 

• Your  budget, requirements, along with the details about horse and rider and what activities you want to do with your horse and new saddle. 

Who will fit my saddle?

• Jocelyn Danby, Master saddler, Master Saddle Fitter, Qualified Bridle Fitter (SMS regd)  OR

• Kieran Forsyth , Master saddler, Qualified Saddle Fitter. (SMS regd) 

What brands do you stock?

• We stock a variety of brands to suit all budgets and disciplines, from beginner to top professional.  Explore our brands here.

What equipment and facilities will I need for my fitting? 

• Ideally a well lit arena where we can park the van close by or even inside. If you don't have a school then a level paddock or field, but please no loose horses, dogs or children. You may bring your horse to our premises or meet us at an arena if you don't have suitable facilities.

• Make sure you have all spare numnahs, saddle cloths, girths and half pads available, and remember to bring spare headplates if you have them. 

• Don't forget hat, boots, gloves. 

• Don't forget your bridle and stirrups. 

Will I need to ride during my saddle fitting?

• Yes definitely! We will need to see you ride in all three paces (and over a fence if you intend to jump in the saddle).

• We need to see the usual rider rather than a friend or your instructor. 

• There are some exceptions. For example, if your horse is not yet broken in, or is not yet working in all three paces, or being schooled by another rider. However please discuss this with us at the time of booking. 

Why do I need to ride for the fitting?

• In order to assess the fit of the saddle for the horse and rider it is important to see the horse ridden. The saddle may look like a good fit while the horse is standing, but the horse may influence the saddle in all sorts of different ways by their movement and how they carry themselves with the rider. 

• Different riders who are different heights, builds, posture and way of riding will influence the horse and the saddle differently, so a saddle that works well with one rider can be totally wrong for another even on the same horse. Remember we are not there to judge your riding but to help you get the best experience from riding your horse, no matter what level you are working at. 

• We need to check how well your horse accepts the saddle and make sure he moves comfortably in it. 

• If you are trying a new saddle or we are making adjustments to your existing saddle you need to try it to make sure it is comfortable for you as well as the horse.

What will happen during my saddle fitting? 

• We will record the details and history of horse and rider.

• We will take a template of your horse every time we see him to keep a record of his shape and see how he has changed.

• We will assess your horse's static and dynamic conformation in hand.

• We will assess the condition of your saddle.

• We will look at the saddle on your horse and assess the static fit.

• We will watch you ride in the saddle and assess the dynamic fit for the horse and the fit for the rider.

• If you are looking for a new saddle we will make some suggestions and allow you to try some options.

• We will make adjustments to the saddle panel and/or girthing arrangement and/or pads and shims etc.

• We will then see you ride again to check the adjustments. 

• We will give you advice on the best way to use your saddle. 

• We will leave you with notes including our advice and reccommend how long before we should see you again. 

How often should my saddle be checked?

• After fitting a new saddle we will need to see you again in 6 to 12 weeks depending on how much work you will be doing. 

• After the first check up we usually want to see you again within 6 months. 

• With a young horse just started checks should be more frequent. 3 to 4 months is advisable for the first two years of work. 

• If we were unable to see your horse ridden we will want to see him again as soon as he is working under saddle. 

How can I pay?

• Cash

• Card. We have a mobile card reader and you can pay by card as long as we have a signal.

• BACS. But please don't forget! 

I still have a question. Can you help? 

• We are here to help. Contact us by messenger, email or phone if you are not sure about anything before or after your appointment.