Saddle fitters?

[kathyt1]

Would somebody be able to recommend a saddle fitter who would be able to come out to Churt near Farnham in Surrey. The pony who I normally ride has been out of action now for over 2 weeks due to saddle fitting problems. The stables bought him a new saddle and gave his old one to the horse my o/h rides as he refused to ride her in the "out of the ark" saddle she had, now however I can't ride my horse! They have had a "proffesional" fitter out but the saddle she provided is even worse! Please help!!!

[Tootsie4U]

Im not in the UK so I cant give you any specifics but something you could do once you have a few names is ask for references. Call up a few from each saddler and see what they have to say. Thats how I got my 2nd saddler and I think he's great.

[Big Ears]

Having recently been through this process, I wouldn't recommend anyone!

Saddlers appear to wear two very separate hats - one when you are buying and another less friendly helpful one when you are selling.

[kathyt1]

Help!! Will I get to ride my poor pony again! (well he's not really mine, but I wish he was:D )

[HairyCob]

Have you tried e-mailing or phoning the EE people? Heather and co are very helpful when it comes to EE fitters- if there is one in your area, Heather will know! Good luck!

[kathyt1]

Hi Hairy Cob. I have also posted on the EE site so there may be hope yet, except that there is no way they will run to a Freedom Saddle more's the pity. Here hopefully is a picture of Jigsaw in his old saddle (now being used by my o/h, the git ):mad:

Have tried picture, does not work. Will try again later

[Yann]

You could have a look for a fitter near you on www.saddlecheck.co.uk or post up the same question on the www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk discussion group.

Alternatively if you're not far from Hampshire try the better saddles link on the right hand side of the screen here, I think Vicki Dunster also covers that area, or will certainly know someone good who does.

I've first hand experience of one of these fitters, and can only recommend the job they do. I'm certain there'll be one in your part of the world. I've also had first hand experience of the other sort too:(

[larri]

I can also heartily reccommend Vicki at Better Saddles - very knowledgable and unlike other saddlers I've used is not out to sell you anything - she sorted out my current saddles, including a very very badly put together Portuguese one.

[cvb]

Ditti for Scotland - I want to get my Easisit checked (Wally - you on the mainland any time :D )

[tasha]

If all else fails I can recommend a chap in Haselmere that I use. I used to keep my horses in Churt, off of Hale House Lane!

[kathyt1]

Hi everyone!

Thanks for your replies.

I do not think that the stables could run to Better Saddles prices even though in the long run I am sure it would be more economical. Tasha, will pm you for the details about the chap in Haslemere. There could be light at the end of the tunnel yet!