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Saddle Fitting & Sales Terms & Conditions

Consultation:
What to expect from your consultation: The first consultation can take between 1-3 hours. During the consultation we will look at the horses build first and how the shape of the horse influences saddle fit. Then evaluating your horses’ back for discomfort, and look for possible causes, including assessing if the pain is related to saddle fit.  We will take a look at your existing saddle, evaluate fit and see if it is possible that a change in saddle pad would benefit the fit at all. If your saddle does not fit, or you need a new saddle, this is where we will try on and assess new and/or secondhand saddles and/or trees. Once we have found a saddle or tree that is a basic good fit then we will turn to pads to get the fit tailored to your horse.  I bring a wide selection of different types of pad and I carry a few cinches.  If you would like me to bring headstalls, reins, DVD’s etc. please let me know, before the consultation.

If no saddle or tree that I have with me is right, then I will shape a template and take photos of your horses back.  If a template is taken, then you will be responsible for getting packaging and sending it to the chosen wholesaler in Germany. I will get in touch with you once I hear the results (this can take between 2-6 weeks).

The other option is that I can take an Equiscan template (see here). That incurs an extra cost of £150.00 incl. VAT. With that I can almost instantly upload the results to all saddle companies so they can check their trees to see if any are a good match. The other option is that a tree can be custom made to fit your horses shape and fitted inside a Top Saddlemaker saddle. 

First consultation will cost £135 incl. VAT plus travel at £1.00 incl. VAT per mile each way.  I do not charge for time traveling. EVERY time I come out to you, you will be liable for the travel costs.  You can bring your horse to me, then there will be no travelling or consultation costs payable.  The local arena I use (which also has an indoor school) is The Fortune Centre near Bransgore, Dorset.

Service provided – I WILL NOT sell you a saddle that does not fit.  As a result you will save on physio/vet/training bills.  Your horse should be a safer and happier ride due to helping to minimise pain due to poor saddle fit. My aim is to make the horse as comfortable as possible, to allow him/her to do his/her job to the best of its ability.

After sales service: 
If you have any concerns or feel something is not right during the initial period of using the saddle, I will not just leave you to sort it out yourself. You will not be liable for further consultation costs relating to the original fitting issue, but will remain responsible for travel costs (unless you come to me), shipping costs and any applicable collection or delivery charges.

Western saddle fitting, particularly where customisation or alterations are involved, can occasionally require further refinement once the saddle is physically reassessed on the horse. This does not automatically mean the saddle is incorrect or unsuitable. In some cases, additional adjustment is simply part of achieving the best final outcome for the horse and rider.

My aim is always long-term comfort, balance and function for the horse, and I will work with clients through the fitting process to achieve that outcome wherever appropriate.

I will keep coming back until everyone is happy.

Independent Reassessment and Third-Party Opinions
Saddle fitting involves professional judgement, and opinions may differ between practitioners. Where a client seeks an independent reassessment or second opinion, The Western Saddler Ltd recommends that any such reassessment is carried out by a suitably qualified and genuinely independent professional with no commercial interest in the replacement, resale, manufacture, alteration or supply of alternative saddles or equipment connected to the case. Opinions from individuals or businesses involved in the sale, manufacture, resale, alteration or supply of alternative saddles or equipment may not be considered independent assessments.

 

Custom saddles are manufactured to the specification agreed at the time of order, based on the horse's presentation, condition and fitting assessment at that time. Any reassessment should take into account the horse's condition, muscling, workload, rider balance, pad choice and any changes occurring after the original fitting date, as subsequent changes to the horse, rider, management, weight, workload or equipment may affect ongoing fit.

 

Where a concern is raised regarding saddle fit, The Western Saddler Ltd reserves the right to review the saddle, horse, rider and relevant fitting records directly before considering any third-party opinion. The Western Saddler Ltd cannot accept responsibility for opinions provided by third parties whose assessment methods, experience, commercial interests or fitting standards differ from its own methodology.

 

Our Standards and Commitments
At The Western Saddler Ltd and The Saddle Fit Academy Ltd, horse welfare, professional integrity and evidence-based practice sit at the centre of all fitting work. Our work is grounded in documented assessment methods, ongoing education and a welfare-led approach, rather than opinion, assumption or commercial pressure.

 

We believe professional conduct matters as much as technical skill. Clients should be able to seek advice and second opinions without fear of conflict, pressure or hostility. Professional disagreements should be handled respectfully, ethically and with the horse's welfare remaining the priority at all times.
Our commitment is to:
  • Prioritise horse comfort, function and long-term wellbeing
  • Work within clear professional and ethical boundaries
  • Maintain accurate records and documented assessments
  • Continue professional development and education
  • Communicate honestly and respectfully with clients and colleagues
  • Support a culture of professionalism within the western saddle fitting industry