We can’t stress enough just how important is it to make sure you have your saddle correctly fitted to your horse. For more information about saddles and our Saddle Fitting service, please read our ‘Buying a Saddle From RB Equestrian’ section below, or contact us by email at[email protected]or call 01908 365335 for a chat with our qualified saddle fitters
Buying a Saddle from RB Equestrian
When it comes to saddle fitting we at RB Equestrian strive to ensure the very best quality, in both the products we sell and the service we provide to all our customers. Our team of saddle fitters are all highly qualified in their field, and all registered as qualified saddle fitters with the Society of Master Saddlers.
Our saddle fitting service covers:
- Fitting and sale of new saddles
- Checking and adjustments of existing saddles
- Saddlery repair
Please note that we do not supply or trade in second hand saddles.
Frequently asked questions
1. What do you charge?
o new saddle fit. Free consultation & mileage charge of 50p per mile round trip if we come to you.
o re-fitting a saddle fitted by us on the same horse. £30 for the first saddle (£15 for any additional saddles) plus a mileage charge of 50p per mile round trip if we come to you
o checking a saddle OR horse that we haven't seen before. £60 plus a mileage charge of 50p per mile round trip if we come to you.
2. How do I make an appointment?
o Give us a call (01908 365 335), email us at[email protected]or call in-store. We will make sure you speak to one of our saddle fitters who will discuss your requirements in detail and help you consider your options before you even make an appointment.
3. How long will a saddle fit/check take?
o You should assume that any fit or check will take at least 1 hour. In some cases it may take significantly longer than this.
4. What facilities do I need for you to fit or check a saddle?
o We need a clean & dry horse in the first instance. It is helpful if you can make sure your horse is ready at the agreed appointment time.
o Ideally you will have a flat, level area where our saddle fitter can see the horse being worked in hand.
o An arena (or the sheer heaven that is an indoor school) make seeing a horse working in a saddle much easier. If you don't have access to either then a flat, level grassy area will normally be sufficient or you may want to consider bringing your horse to us.
5. I don't know if I need a new saddle or just my existing one adjusting. How do I know you're not just going to persuade me to buy a new saddle in any event?
o Because we know that the quickest way to lose customers is to make them unhappy. Our saddle fitters do not work on commission - so it makes no difference to them whether they sell a saddle or not - and they are professionals. Their job is to do the best for you, on the day, and if your existing saddle can be made to fit - they'll tell you.
6. How long do I normally have to wait for an appointment?
o This can vary massively but as a general rule we are booking Saturday appointments up to two months in advance. Frequently you can get a mid-week appointment within 7 days if you're flexible. If you think you'd like an appointment give us a call as soon as possible.
7. I've had a saddle fitted by someone else and I'd like a second opinion. Can you help?
o Maybe. If your saddle has been fitted or checked by another qualified saddle fitter in the last six months you should refer any issues you are having back to them. If you still need some help then be aware that we will need to obtain the original fitting sheets from that saddle fitter and probably speak to them about your horse before we see them.
8. I really value my trainers/vets/back persons/friends advice and they think I've got a problem with my saddle - what shall I do?
o We are happy to work alongside other equestrian professionals to ensure both you and your horse are able to perform as well as possible. Don't forget though that you're paying us to give you a professional opinion so if you'd like anyone else to be involved in the saddle fitting process we would strongly suggest that you arrange for them to be available at the time of your appointment so that we can get them involved at the earliest possible opportunity.
9. How often should I have my saddle checked?
o A newly fitted saddle should be checked within 12 weeks of fitting (or as per your saddle fitter's advice). After that, every 6 months or whenever there is a significant change to the shape of your horse. Check regularly with a weigh tape to monitor your horse's condition, and if there is a change of 5cm up or down you should have your saddle refitted.
10. Can you repair my saddle?
o We are proper saddlers and can repair and make all kinds of leatherwork (including saddles). Please give us a call or pop in and we can assess your item for repair.