Custom Saddle Terms and Conditions

The Western Saddler Ltd

These terms apply to all bespoke and made-to-order saddles supplied by The Western Saddler Ltd. Custom-saddles are non-refundable once production has begun. By paying a deposit, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these terms.

1. Definitions

Client: The person or business placing the order.
Custom Saddle: A saddle made to the Client’s individual specifications, measurements and information.
Completion: The point at which the saddle has arrived in the United Kingdom and is ready for inspection or delivery.

2. Nature of Custom Products

All saddles are handmade using natural materials. Variations in leather colour, grain and texture are normal and are not considered defects.

Custom saddles are produced to the Client’s individual specifications and are therefore exempt from the 14-day cancellation right under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

3.⁠ ⁠Measurements and Fitting Process

The Western Saddler Ltd will provide professional guidance on the information and measurements required for your custom saddle.

The Client must provide complete and accurate information about the horse and rider as requested, including  measurements, photographs and relevant history.

The Western Saddler Ltd will use reasonable skill and care to produce a saddle that fits based on the information provided. 

However, the Client acknowledges that:
•⁠  ⁠Horse shape, muscle tone and condition may occasionally change over time based on weight changes and/or work changes
•⁠  ⁠Perfect fit cannot be guaranteed if the information provided is inaccurate or the horse's condition changes (as above)
•⁠  ⁠Such changes are not defects in workmanship

4. Pricing and Payment

All prices are quoted in pounds sterling. VAT will be charged where applicable.

Non-Refundable Deposit
A deposit is required to secure your custom order. Once materials have been ordered or production has begun, the deposit becomes non-refundable, as it covers materials, design and labour already committed.

Balance payment
The remaining balance is payable once the saddle is complete and ready for delivery.

Additional costs
Shipping, import duties, taxes and any additional charges are the responsibility of the Client unless confirmed otherwise in writing.

Appointments and visits
Fitting visits, follow-up visits and in-person appointments are chargeable unless explicitly confirmed in writing as included within the quoted price.

5. Cancellation Policy

Once materials have been ordered or production has begun, custom saddles cannot be cancelled and no refunds will be offered, in accordance with the exemption for bespoke goods under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

6. Delivery and Inspection

Delivery times
All delivery times are estimates and may vary due to production schedules, shipping and supply factors.

Inspection period
The Client must inspect the saddle within three business days of delivery and notify The Western Saddler Ltd in writing of any defects or damage.

If no notification is received within this period, the saddle will be deemed accepted.

This does not affect the Client’s statutory rights in relation to faulty goods under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

7. Workmanship Warranty

Equiflex saddles have a 10-year workmanship warranty which applies from the date of delivery. This covers faults arising from defective materials or construction.

This warranty does not cover:

• Damage caused by misuse, neglect, improper care or accidents

• Unauthorised alterations or modifications

• Normal wear and tear

• Fit issues resulting from changes in the horse’s condition or shape

This warranty is provided in addition to, and does not affect, the Client’s statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

8. Adjustments and Modifications

Western saddle fitting is a highly individual and specialist process influenced by the horse’s conformation, musculature, movement, workload, rider balance and ongoing physical development.

The Western Saddler Ltd works using detailed fitting assessments, including the evaluation of saddle trees, templates, photographs, video footage, ridden assessment (when applicable) and fitting notes in order to specify alterations or customisation requirements to saddle manufacturers.

As alterations and customisation work are often carried out remotely by the saddle maker based on this information, further refinement or adjustment may occasionally be required once the completed saddle is physically reassessed on the horse. This may include, for example, additional widening, narrowing or balancing adjustments in order to achieve the intended final outcome.

The need for further adjustment or refinement does not automatically indicate that a saddle is faulty, unfit for purpose or incorrectly supplied. Where further refinement is required, the saddle remains capable of being adjusted in order to achieve the intended final fit outcome for the horse and rider, and the alteration process forms part of achieving that outcome.

Reasonable adjustments or modifications may therefore be offered at the discretion of The Western Saddler Ltd as part of the fitting process. Where adjustments are considered appropriate, The Western Saddler Ltd reserves the right to inspect, alter, adjust or otherwise remedy the saddle before any refund or alternative resolution is considered, in accordance with the Client’s statutory rights.

Adjustments required due to a workmanship defect or fitting issue identified during the fitting process will not incur an additional consultation fee. Travel costs, shipping costs and any applicable collection or delivery charges may still apply.

Where an additional visit or alteration is required for reasons unrelated to a workmanship defect or original fitting issue, standard consultation, travel and shipping fees will apply.

Clients are expected to cooperate reasonably with the fitting and remedial process, including making the saddle available for inspection, collection or alteration where appropriate.

9. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these terms limits or excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any matter which cannot legally be limited.

Subject to the above, the liability of The Western Saddler Ltd is limited to the purchase price of the saddle.

The Western Saddler Ltd shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses, including (but not limited to) veterinary costs, loss of use, loss of earnings, or third-party costs.

10. Intellectual Property

All designs, specifications, drawings, templates and documentation remain the intellectual property of The Western Saddler Ltd and must not be reproduced or used without written permission.

11. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute will first be addressed through good-faith discussion.
If unresolved after 30 days, the parties agree to consider mediation before court proceedings are commenced.

12. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction.