Fitting & Flocking
Our ethos is that every horse deserves a saddle that fits perfectly.
At S&D Saddles, we take the time to ensure every fit is just right — because one saddle does not suit all. Every horse is unique in its shape, movement, and way of going, and we believe their comfort and performance depend on a saddle that’s tailored to them.
All our fitters are Master Saddlers Qualified (SMS) Saddle Fitters, attending regular CPD sessions and brand-specific training to stay at the forefront of saddle fitting expertise.
With us, you can have complete peace of mind — we know our saddles, and more importantly, we know how they fit.
On completing the Booking Form, we will arrange a date and time to visit you at your yard with a selection of suitable saddles for you to try. When we arrive we will take a wither template and back measurements to keep on file for future reference.
We will then try on a selection of saddles and pick a few for you to ride in, ideally in an enclosed flat space – school or paddock.
Unless you have something specific in mind, we would recommend that you ride in a few different saddles to assess which style and fit is best for you and your horse.
The visit will take approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours
Supporting You Every Step of the Way
Buying a saddle is a journey — and we’re here to support you throughout the lifetime of your saddle.
Because horses are constantly changing shape, we recommend at least one annual saddle check to assess both fit and flocking. However, if your horse’s condition changes significantly throughout the seasons, additional visits may be beneficial to keep your equine athlete in peak comfort and performance.
During each visit, we take a new wither template and saddle measurements. This allows us to monitor topline development and identify any changes since your previous fitting.
We’ll then re-fit and re-flock your saddle to match your horse’s new shape, ensuring continued comfort and optimal performance. Many of our saddles feature interchangeable gullets, allowing us to adjust the width on-site — so your saddle fits perfectly without ever needing to be sent away.
