Blog

Finally… Its stopped raining (or has it)

15th June 2024

With the competition season at last getting underway, it’s time to think about your equipment and saddlery. Modern competition standards are so high nowadays, that no-one can afford to compete in a saddle that restricts the horse’s movement, or does not offer the rider a balanced, secure position. Sometimes a small alteration to the flocking of your existing saddle(s) can…

Why use A SMS Saddle Fitter?

21st May 2024

The expertise of an SMS qualified saddle fitter is there to guide you through the saddle fitting process so that you and your horse achieve the best outcome and performance. When it comes to purchasing a new saddle for you and your horse, you may well be confused by the plethora of saddle fitters out there – particularly in this…

What is my Second Hand Saddle worth?

7th May 2024

As a rule, when I value someone’s saddle, firstly I look up the current RRP (Recommended Retail Price). If the saddle is in good but used condition, I advise asking half of the current RRP. If the saddle has been lightly used and was recently purchased, or if it could almost pass as new, I say ¾, and if it…

Mono (Single) Flap or Double Flap?

10th April 2024

What’s the difference? Which is best? Traditionally all saddles were double flap. Jump and GP saddles had short girth tabs, needing a long girth, and dressage saddles had long straps hanging below the saddle flaps and needing a short girth, the idea being that you would then not have the bulk of the girth buckles under the riders leg –…

General Purpose or Dressage and Jump Saddle?

12th March 2024

If I buy a ???????? ????????????????????????, that should save me having to buy a ???????????????????????????????? and a ???????????????? ????????????????????????, shouldn’t it? Not necessarily… ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? saddles are a Jack of all Trades, highly suitable for leisure riding, basic flat work and popping small fences. They are also often chosen as a cheap option for a young horse that is likely…

Foot Balance and Saddle Fit

9th December 2023

This year’s Society of Master Saddler’s Refresher course has just concluded, after a marathon 8 hours on zoom, and it was an Information packed day! Saddle Slip was a major discussion point this year, and disturbingly is seen in around 54% of horses. Most riders think they are to blame (“I know I ride crooked …”), but research tells us…