Purchasing a saddle will probably be the most expensive single item that you are ever likely to buy for your horse.

Therefor it is recommended that you employ a Society of Master Saddlers Registered Saddle Fitter who may also be a Member.

Any alterations to the selected saddle i.e. flocking, rebalancing, strap re-positing should be undertaken by a Qualified Saddler.

Facts you should consider to ensure a correctly fitted saddle for both you and your horse;

Give accurate information;

1/ Breed/type, age height and level of fitness.

2/ Rider's height and build. Usual rider's level of ability and future hopes.

3/ Accurate address of stables and you telephone number. A suitable safe flat area to ride.

4/ Be prepared to pay a consultant's fee. Registered Qualified Saddle Fitters are professionally trained specialists in their own field and their time and expertise should be valued.

The Qualified Saddle Fitters visit format;

1/ He/she will introduce his/herself to you/or to the rider/handler and of course the horse.

2/ With the horse held in the halter and standing square he/she will check the back for white hairs, lumps, bumps, sores, conformation features and for back sensitivity.

3 /The horse will then be seen in hand for action, soundness and for any conformation problems likely to affect the fit of the saddle.

Please remember they have not made the perfect horse yet!

4/ The Saddle Fitter should take a template of the horse's back with the aid of a flei-curve and with all the information he/she will select and fit (try on) appropriate saddles ensuring that they conform to the shape of the horse. The aim is to ensure a good gullet clearance, accurate panel contacts and freedom of movement of the shoulder blades (scapula). The saddle must not come into contact with the loin area.

5/ The horse should be ridden in the chosen saddle on both reins and diagonals (walk, trot, canter) and if necessary over some jumps.

6/ While the horse is being ridden the Saddle Fitter will be checking for the balance of saddle and rider.

Four important rules;

1/ The saddle must sit level, viewing from the side the centre of the seat must be the lowest part.

2/ With the rider sat on the saddle clearance at the pommel should be sufficient before and after you have tried the saddle. The gullet of the saddle should be sufficiently wide to allow clearance along the horse's backbone.

3/ Inform the Saddle Fitter if you intend to use thick pads or numnahs as this will have an effect on the fit of the saddle.

4/ Ask for a copy of the saddle fitting records and keep in a safe place.

It must be accepted that the horse's

Shape - condition will change with progressive work and conversely with rest. It is therefore recommended that you arrange for regular checks to be carried out by the Saddle Fitter that you employed to fit your saddle. You may find a weight tape useful to monitor your horse's condition. 5cm up or down means an extra width size up or down