SADDLES I SUPPLY
BUDGET SADDLES (second hand): I have a large selection of second hand leather fixed tree saddles of various quality/widths/prices (many of them cob width). These include Livinia Mitchell (horses and bottoms love them!!!) plus Thorowgood and Kent & Masters adjustable wool flocked saddles in excellent condition. These are sold as seen without guarantee but have been checked by myself for soundness (impossible to check tree completely without opening saddles up but no squeaks/movement/asymmetry). Trees appear sound and webbing, stitching, girth straps etc secure.
All either 17”or 17 1/2” saddles. Some 14" pony saddles suitable for Pony Club. Black or brown. Dressage and GP. From £150. (Additional £30 if different gullet bar required)
NEW SADDLES (These have a wait time 2-4 weeks)
I will normally have a Thorowgood or Kent & Masters second hand saddle for you to try and can then order a new saddle (deposit will be required at consultation).
OTHER OPTIONS
If I do not have a suitable saddle I can help source one from alternative sources such as Marketplace, etc. This obviously may take a few weeks but for those not in a hurry can save significant costs.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
- £80 (generally 2/3 hrs. This is fixed fee regardless of how much time you spare me – even if you just want a quick top-up). Those buying my secondhand saddles are likely to only need this assessment.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
6 WEEK TOP-UP OF NEW/OLD SADDLE FLOCKING
- £50
Please note I will not wish to top up flocking older than 2 years. This is the minimum time flocking should be used as it will lump and ball.
COMPLETE REFLOCK OF SADDLE
- £100 Using the best pure long white or Jacobs Sheep wool. The seat is separated from the panels, the panels reflocked and saddle hand stitched together. (Commencing 19 May 2025)
AIRBAG SHIM CHANGE
- £50 plus cost of different shim width if required (£10 each)
AREAS COVERED: I’m based in Overton, Hampshire RG25 and there is no charge for travel within 35mins. I also regularly travel to Ledbury, Herefordshire so could travel 35mins off the route. Weekends provide the opportunity to travel longer distances (max 1hr). For other locations further afield please contact me to discuss options & availability.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CONSULTATION
Unlike many saddle fitters, I use holistic methods to fit your saddle. Using biomechanics of both human and horse, I ascertain how much and where rider and horse affect fit.
Riders will wear asymmetry jackets and are given the opportunity to discuss any physical issues that may be affecting their comfort and riding. Horse’s movement/posture and veterinary history are discussed to aid the saddle fit and rider’s future riding position. Before riders are aboard, I would like to see the horse trotted up and ideally lunged with and without saddle so we can discuss anything we may find.
Riders will also have their Seatbone imprints taken whilst sitting on a stand. This is a vital component of fit – using up-to-date research on the importance of pelvic shape. Saddle trees are over 100years old in design and were made for a male pelvis. No wonder so many females suffer in silence regarding uncomfortable nether regions! (And some men too – pelvis shapes are not just split into male and female but variations on 4 different shapes).
Having now done imprints myself I understand why I have needed 2 new hips. I hope to help prevent this happening to other riders.
For the riders/horses whom we discover have unusual pelvis shapes/movement, I will be able to give further recommendations as where to source saddles.
Horses will also be assessed using bodywork techniques to discover any stiff/soreness issues. I ask for Veterinary approval if horses are under Veterinary care. A saddle can slip to one side as normal rib rotation/flexion is hindered by stiff ribs so I will demonstrate eg how loosening the ribs can help the slip issues.
As a riding instructor I will be able to help you sit more asymmetrically and ride your horse in better balance. Rather than the standard instructions to push him on with strong rein contact (hence the recent dressage world scandals) I will help you lift the thoracic sling and ride the horse you have. I can suggest training methods that will help with asymmetry or any other issues you may be having.
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