A good saddle is an investment, and as well as caring for it properly, there are adjustments we can make to extend and prolong its life – for example, if your horse changes shape.
The more often your saddle is checked – we recommend twice a year at the very least – the less dramatic the changes will need to be each time.
Adjusting the flocking – by adding or removing some – can be a good place to start to alter the shape of the saddle.
Our saddle fitters can also advise if a tree can be adjusted – whether there’s a removable head plate of not.
Ideally, your horse will have a management programme that remains fairly consistent and therefore they don’t change shape dramatically. This means your saddle will be able to stay with them long-term, with a few adjustments as and when necessary.
However, you might find that changing the type of work your horse does, changes their shape enough that the saddle just can’t fit any more and a new one is required. For example – using a human analogy – going from a marathon runner to a body builder is the equivalent in equine terms of a horse used solely for hacking or hunting switching to dressage.
If you’d like to make an appointment with one of our Society of Master Saddlers Saddle Fitters, please call us on 01392 877896 or fill in our contact form.
