| We do custom saddle fitting, evaluations, & re-flocking in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Additionally, we will travel to the Bay Area & Southern California for barns or trainers requiring multiple evaluations, fittings, or re flocking. We also are available for saddle fitting, evaluations, and re-flocking demonstrations at your show or clinic. We bring tryout/fitting saddles, as well as new products. |
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Saddle Services |
| The Anatomy of the English Saddle |
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| Or call: 805-473-0445 |
| Saddle Fitting Our motto in fitting a saddle is 'The Comfort of the horse comes first' Not every model or make of saddle will fit every horse. You, or one of your children might want a particular saddle. Unfortunately, it might be a very costly mistake if purchased and it does not fit the horse! A well fitted saddle enhances the movement and performance of both rider and horse. An ill fitted saddle precipitates the opposite effect. Generally, a well fitted saddle can be ridden without a pad with complete comfort to the horse. Most wool flocked saddles require riding without a pad for a minimum of 20 hours for it to contour to the horses back. For a fitting you will need to schedule between 1-3 hours. We also will need to meet at a place where riding facilities are available. To properly fit a saddle, it requires evaluation with and without the rider seated. We also will do all of the back, wither tracings, and photographs of your horse which are required by many custom saddle makers such as Black Country and Jefferies. Additionally we are available to make any adjustments required when your saddle arrives, and during the break in period. A proper fitting saddle with the pommel 1" lower than the cantle, with the tree placed just behind the shoulder, and minimum of 2 fingers of clearance in the channel under the pommel Saddle Evaluations During the evaluation process we will check the fit of your saddle with you in and out of the seat. Your horses back will be evaluated for sore spots and the sweat patterns produced by your saddle checked after your ride. We will be honest with you about the fit, giving you options on how to correct it through flocking, and/or corrective padding if possible. If not possible, we will fit you for another saddle at no charge if requested. Saddle Re-flocking Saddles generally are flocked with wool, which over time can compress and produce an ill fitting saddle. Though it will compress over years, wool is still the best saddle flocking material. Generally, with very little effort we can give your old saddle a little face lift, restoring it to its' original flocking conformation. Other reasons for re-flocking are if you bought a saddle that was not properly fit to your horse in the first place, or if you are using the saddle on another horse. |
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