Some signs of poor saddle fit.

1.)  Behavioural problems in a horse that anticipates or reacts to pain from the saddle. Behaviour problems can be a problem with the saddle, a problem with the work the horse is asked to do in that saddle or a problem with the attitude of the horse and these causes need to be distinguished. 

•      Reacting negatively to being saddled.
•      Behaving badly under saddle, especially with a particular saddle
•      Avoiding pressure when rope comes tight

2.)  Changes in movement or ability to perform compared to other saddles or when unsaddled.  These can include:

•      Shortened stride
•      Poor collection when asked
•      Not wanting to stop hard

3.)  Instability of the saddle.

•      Constantly rolls side to side
•      Consistently rides to one side
•      Loses blankets easily
•      Moves forward or back on the horse constantly. Doesn’t find one place and stay there.

4.)  Physical problems on the horse

•      Sore muscles on palpation (checking by feeling with moderate pressure)
•      Swelling which develops a few minutes after unsaddling
•      Dry spots  (Whether these are always a problem is open for discussion, but they are at least a signal to check for deeper problems.)
•      White hair
•      Open sores (usually caused by rubbing rather than pressure)
•      Pain or sores on top of withers from direct contact with the saddle

On Sale

On Sale

Saddle Fitting Service

NZ$150.00 NZ$120.00

Saddle fitting service, Try before you buy.

Bring your horse to us – was $150, now just $120.

We can come to you – $120 + mileage (to cover travel cost and time).

Michelle has heard countless stories of riders spending thousands on saddles that end up not fitting properly. A poorly fitted saddle can cause endless problems — for both horse and rider. That’s why we offer our “try before you buy” saddle fitting service.

You’ll be able to:

• Sit in the saddle first and adjust the stirrups.
• Fit the saddle to your horse and check how it sits.
• Ride in it to make sure you feel comfortable and your horse is moving freely.
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It’s a simple way to be confident that your saddle truly fits — before you commit to buying.

To make an appointment, call or text 022 502 4013.

About our Saddle Fitting Service

Michelle has years of hands-on experience fitting both English and Western saddles. She can show you exactly how to fit your western saddle, bridle, and breastplate correctly – passing on all the tips, tricks, and “do’s and don’ts” to make sure your horse correctly fitted. Michelle can also take detailed measurements of your horse, giving a more accurate picture of fit. From those tracings, we can even custom-make a saddle to suit.

We also offer a “try before you buy” service that takes around an hour and a half.

• You’ll have the chance to sit in the saddle first and adjust the stirrups.
• Then we’ll fit the saddle to your horse, so you can see how it sits.
• Finally, you can ride in it — making sure you feel comfortable and your horse moves freely and happily too.

Before we book a visit, we’ll ask you a few simple questions. This helps us figure out whether we already have a saddle that’s likely to suit you and your horse. It saves time, keeps costs down for everyone, and gives you the best chance of finding a saddle that truly fits.

Please send us photos of your horse as well as you with your horse along with answers to these questions.

1. Horses breed type
2. Horses age
3. Horses height
4. Your height and weight
5. The inside measurement of your leg
6. Is your horse in work and well saddle trained?
7. Has your horse had a western saddle on before

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