Saddle fitting by qualified saddle fitters

A correctly fitting saddle is so important to maintaining the general wellbeing and achieving optimal performance from your horse or pony. This is why Nutwell Saddlery offers an extensive range of new English leather and synthetic saddles, and a Master of Saddlers qualified saddle check and saddle fitting service to ensure the perfect fit.

Nutwell Saddlery boasts three qualified saddler fitters. All of our saddle fitters have been fitting saddles for a minimum of three years and hold the Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitters Certificate. In the UK, this is best reassurance you can get that the person who is fitting the saddle has the experience and knowledge required to ensure a correct fit.

Saddle fitting in Somerset, Cornwall, Dorset and Devon

You can have your new saddle fitted here at our superb equestrian facilities on the Nutwell Estate, just five minutes off junction 30 of the M5 in Devon. Alternatively, we can offer saddle fitting in Somerset, Cornwall, Dorset and Devon. For maximum convenience, we offer flexible day, evening and weekend appointments.

If you choose to have the saddle fitted at your own premises, you will need to ensure you have:

• A flat hard surface where the horse can be examined standing and trotted up in hand.
• An available jockey with a correctly fitted riding hat.
• An area where the horse can be ridden, preferably a ménage.
• At least one practice fence, if you want a jumping style saddle.
• Your own stirrup leathers and girth. If your horse is new and you have no tack please inform us at the initial booking and we can provide these essential items for you.
• Sufficiently groomed your horse so we can identify any marks left on the horse’s back after removing the saddle.

SADDLE CHECK SERVICE

Over a year your horse’s shape can change substantially, especially if he is young or old, has had a change in exercise, gained or lost weight or undergone a period of rest. The flocking in the saddle can also significantly flatten, like a well-used seat on a sofa, causing pressure and even pinching. This is why the Society of Master Saddlers recommends you should have the fit of your saddle checked every 6-12 months.

An ill-fitting saddle can have a profound effect on your horse’s performance. In particular, he may become reluctant to work. If you do dressage for example, he may become unwilling or unable to engage his hindquarters as well as he used to. If you do cross country or show jumping, he may begin to refuse or run-out at fences. This can lead to bad habits being picked up that can continue to haunt you, even when the saddle is corrected.

If it has been more than 6-12 months since your last saddle check, we strongly advise you book an appointment. Appointments are available from 7am until 8.30pm and at a location to suit you, or at our superb facilities here at Nutwell Estate in Devon. To book please call Nutwell Saddlery on 01392 877896. Alternatively, you can complete our saddle fitting form and one of our saddlers will call you back to arrange an appointment.

NEW SADDLE FITTING

Buying an a new saddle is an exciting time. It’s also one of the biggest and most important equestrian investments you will make, so it’s crucial to get it right. Nutwell Saddlery specialises in supplying and fitting new saddles. We will never sell a new saddle without fitting it to you and the horse, and are a Society of Master Saddlers approved retailer with three Society of Master Saddlers qualified saddle fitters.

When finding you a new saddle, we keep in mind the following guidelines:

• The style and size of your old saddle (if applicable).
• What you will use the saddle for (e.g. dressage, jumping, general purpose).
• Your horse’s conformation and any points of interest (such as high wither or large shoulders).
• Your weight and height.
• Your preferred colour.
• Your price range.
• Your preferred manufacturers (e.g. Albion, Bates).

To book a new saddle fitting appointment please call Nutwell Saddlery on 01392 877896. Alternatively, you can complete our saddle fitting form and one of our saddlers will call you back to arrange an appointment.

A saddle fitter qualified by the Society of Master Saddlers must have been fitting saddles for a minimum of three years and hold the Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitters Certificate. In the UK, this is best reassurance you can get that the person who is fitting the saddle has the experience and knowledge required to ensure a correct fit. All saddle fitters at Nutwell Saddlery are qualified by the Society of Master Saddlers.

To fit a new saddle, or check the fit of your current saddle, our qualified saddle fitters will typically:

• Assess your horse, the saddle and the saddle area.
• Take templates of your horse’s back. These will be kept and referred to on subsequent visits so we can form a picture of how your horse develops and changes shape.
• Reflock and alter the saddle where necessary.
• Assess the horse ridden at all paces. It is essential the jockey is present to ensure an accurate fit!
• Discuss with you the overall fit of the saddle and make recommendations.