Saddle Fitting

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Finding a saddle that correctly fits your horse and yourself is vital. An incorrectly fitted saddle can cause all sorts of problems for your horse including but not limited to back, neck or shoulder pain, saddle sores or poor behaviour when mounting and riding. If left for too long these issues can manifest themselves and they become more and more difficult to remedy.

 

How often should I get the fit of my saddle checked?

 

Whenever you get a new saddle it is always advisable to have it checked by a saddle fitter. On average your saddle should be checked twice a year. However your fitter will advise you when it is best to book a follow up appointment depending on your situation.  

 

Which Areas Do you Cover for Saddle Fitting Appointments?

Yes, we cover your area!

We cover parts of your area, get in touch for more information.

We do not currently cover your area, please get in touch if you'd like this to change!

Now you know the areas we regularly visit, please have a look at our calendar to see when we are nearby. If you don't see the area your looking for, don't worry, just give us a call. We're more than happy to advise when we can come and visit, answer any questions you have and to get you booked in!

 

Frequently asked questions

Where are you based?

We are based near Evesham, Worcestershire



Can you fit my saddle for me?

Lauren is a qualified Master Saddle Fitting Consultant (MSFC). The course is endorsed by the Utrecht University School of Veterinary Science, The Netherlands, and is an in depth international saddle fitting qualification supported by the current and growing body of academic research in to saddle fitting. The course enables practitioners to apply the newest validated learning to saddle fitting, to improve the comfort of horses, and enable a more rewarding horse-rider partnership. The course encompasses the following areas: Anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of equine and human Training, nutrition and other management influences on welfare Performance and saddle fit Conformation and how it relates to riders chosen discipline and saddle fit Pathology, including back and lameness checks and saddle / rider influences on pathology Correct back templating. Tree and saddle construction, materials and fault finding – in a variety of saddle types including english, western, baroque, treeless and flexible treed Assessment of saddle fit and balance; girthing for balance, freedom of movement and horse comfort Use of therapeutic pads and remedial saddle fitting Bit and bridle assessment and fitting.



What does a saddle fitting appointment cost?

A fitting appointment costs £40. There is also a £30 travel charge. However if you buy a saddle during your appointment then you only pay the travel charge. We are able to offer discounts for multiple horses at the same location by prior arrangement, please contact us for details.



Which brands of saddle do you sell?

We are approved fitters of both Amerigo and Equipe saddles, and we have available a full range of demo saddles, as well as a stock of second hand European jumping saddles which we can bring for you to try.



How long does a fitting appointment take?

Our fitting service includes an in depth assesment of the horses conformation and gait, a basic back exam and an assement of your current saddle. For this reason we reccommend allowing up to 2 hours for your appointment so you have plenty of time to try any saddles that are deemed suitable.



Can I bring my horse to you for a saddle fitting appointment?

Unfortuntely not. We are a mobile service and do not have a shop or arena available for the viewing or trial of saddles.



My plans have changed, can I rescedule my appointment?

Yes of course you can! Please contact us no less than 24 hours before your appointment. Failure to give 24 hours notice of cancellation will result in your appointment being charged for. If we are already on route to you you will be charged in full for the fitting appointment and travel. If we are not yet on route to you, and we can fill your appointment there will be no cancellation charge. If we are not yet on route to you, but your appointment cannot be filled, you will be charged for the fitting appointment only. No travel will be charged for.



What do I need on the day of my appointment?

1. The horses owner and rider(s) 2. Patent or Guardian if under 18 years old 2. Brief history of the horse 3. Current saddle and bridle 4. Safe riding area 5. Jumps, if you wish to try your saddle over fences. 6. Riding hat 7. Stirrups and stirrup leathers 8. Girth 9. The saddle pads you plan on using with the saddle 10. Proper riding boots and trousers



My facilities aren't good, is this a problem?

Ideally we need a flat area to walk/trot the horse up and a safe area for riding. If you are looking for a jumping saddle we also reccommend having jumps available on the day. In the winter months, lighting would be benificial to appointments that are early or late in the day.



If I buy a saddle during my appointment, do I still pay for the fitting?

No you do not pay for the fitting, but the travel charge will still apply.



If I buy a saddle during my appointment, do I get a trial period?

Yes, all second hand or ex demo saddles are available for a 5 day trial. Full terms and conditions of the trial are available in the terms and conditions section of the website. New saddles are not available for the 5 day trial.



Which payment methods do you accept?

We are happy to accept cash payments with no extra charge. We can also accept credit/debit card payments, however this does require a 3G/4G or WIFI connection. We do not accept cheques.



Do you only fit jumping saddles?

No, we are able to fit any kind of saddle! At present we stock new, used and demo jumping saddles. From summer 2018 we will also stock new and demo dressage saddles. We do not stock any GP or changeable gullet saddles.



I also want a new bridle, can you bring some with you?

Yes, we can bring a selection of bridles, reins, girths etc with us. Please let us know if there is anything in particular you would like to see.



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© 2020 by Polished Saddles Ltd

Registered office address: Polished Saddles Ltd, Almswood House, 93 High Street, Evesham, Worcestershire, England, WR11 4DU