How might riders know their saddle needs checking or re-fi tting?
You might notice something diff erent in your position or the way you are riding. For example, if you feel tipped forward, or back, or off to one side, or if you can feel that the saddle is slipping.
Maybe your horse becomes reluctant to go forward, or make transitions. There could be many reasons, but saddle fi t is one to investigate.
Also, when you are cleaning tack, take a moment to run your hands down the saddle panels – they should feel smooth and fi rm, but not hard. If you can feel any dips or lumps, the fl ocking could well need some attention.
Once I’ve shortlisted some saddles statically on your horse, it will be time for you to ride in them and compare how they feel to sit in, and how your horse goes.
What if I change my mind?
If you decide to buy a saddle in this way, in addition to the protection of the Consumer Rights Act, you are also protected by the EU Consumer Contract Regulations, which gives you the right to return the saddle within 14 days of receipt if you change you mind. The Saddle Fitter must, by law, tell you about your right to cancel the contract and they will also explain that they may deduct a sum commensurate with use from your refund if you change your mind within the 14 days.
Run your hands over your saddle panels to check for any lumps, dips or hard areas.
What’s the point of using a saddle fi tter for a new saddle – can’t I just get it online?
A new saddle is a huge investment and there’s not one that fi ts every horse. As saddle fi tters, we will help you make the right choice, fi rst time. Buying from a saddle fi tter might seem like an unnecessary expense but, in the long term, it can save you time and money.
When I come to your yard, I bring saddles that I think might be suitable for you and your horse, based on what you’ve told me. This way you get to ride in a selection of saddles before you decide whether to buy.
OK, so how do I choose a saddle fi tter?
There’s a list of qualifi ed Saddle Fitters on the Society of Master Saddlers’ website –
mastersaddlers.co.uk If a saddle fi tter already comes to you
yard, or someone is recommended to you – don’t be afraid to ask about their qualifi cations and check whether they are registered with the SMS. Anyone who is qualifi ed is entitled to display the SMS logo on their paperwork, website, vehicle and clothing.
What will they need to know from me when making the appointment?
A saddle fi tter will ask about your horse’s breed, size, shape, fi tness, age and the job he does. We will also need to know about your build, experience and the type of saddle you are looking for. Be honest about your budget too – there is no point trying saddles that are not in your price range.
Any preparations I need to make for the fi tting?
Make sure your horse is ready to be ridden. I will need an area where he can be trotted up, plus somewhere for you to ride. Remember your girth, stirrups and leathers, the numnah you usually use and, of course, your riding gear!
What can I expect on the day?
All qualifi ed saddle fi tters start by assessing your horse and seeing him walked and trotted up. We also take a template of your horse’s back shape, which we compare at each visit.
Ruth spent 13 years in the British Army, and became Master Saddler of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
Ruth Wyatt spent 13 years in the British Army, and became Master Saddler of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The highlight of her career was being introduced to Her Majesty the Queen as the fi rst female Master Saddler during the Regimental Royal Review in Hyde Park.
Ruth is also a Qualifi ed Saddle Fitter registered with the Society of Master Saddlers, with 10 years experience. She is now based in North Buckinghamshire.
Contact Ruth on:
enquiries@ruthwyattsaddlery.co.uk or 07894945594
Please mention Central Horse News What’s On when responding to advertisements SUMMER SPECIAL 2019 91
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