To improve your shopping experience today and in the future, this site uses cookies.
I Accept Cookies

Colne Saddlery Fitting

Using a Society of Master Saddlers' (SMS) Qualified Saddle Fitter assures a knowledgeable and professional service of the highest standard, thus providing our customers with a professional service based on knowledge and integrity.

Colne Saddlery's Saddle Fitters abide by the SMS code of practise set out by the governing body. This ensures that saddles are fitted according to the correct procedures and guidelines.

FREE Fitting Service at Colne Saddlery

By appointment only. Customers can bring their horses to Colne Saddlery where there is access to our extensive stock of new and second hand saddles, our work shop and use of our onsite arena. This is a free service when you purchase a new or second hand saddle, the only charges that apply are on the purchase of a saddle, saddle repairs and adjustments. These free in store saddle fitting appointments are available with our Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitters Maurice Emtage and Charlotte Fountain.

Maurice, Charlotte or Lois are also available for yard visit's within a 50 miles radius of the shop. Please see the fitting fees below.

Visiting Your Yard

£10

£35

£25

£45

Zone Consultation (per horse) Mileage Fee Total (exc. work to saddles)
ZONE1
0-16 miles
£50 £10 £60
ZONE2
16-25 miles
£50 £25 £75
ZONE3
26-35 miles
£50 £35 £85
ZONE4
36-45 miles
£50 £45 £95

Group Bookings

For group bookings of three horses or more on one yard the consultation fee may be altered to £40 per horse and the mileage may be split.

Booking Information

  • For owners of more than one horse/saddle the consultation fee may be adjusted.
  • No consultation charge on the first 3 month saddle check after the purchase of a new saddle, but the mileage charges still apply.
  • Payments for services are required on the day of the Saddlers visit and can be made by cash,cheque or card.
  • Additional charges may be added for any saddle adjustments.

Alteration Charges

  • Reflocking- £25 - £50 (quote will be given after assessing the saddle prior to the work beginning).
  • Swapping a gullet plate - £20
  • New gullet plate - £40
  • Any additional work carried out on site will be quoted at the time.

The Saddle Appointment

Please call the shop or email saddlefit@colnesaddlery.co.uk, or fill in the form at the bottom of this page to make a booking with one of our saddle fitters. Our shop number is 01451 820843.

Zane our diary manager will take an initial description of your horse as well as the details of your requirements, whether that be a check on an existing saddle or to try a new or second hand saddles. We will also need an idea of your budget, should you wish to purchase a saddle. Zane will then call you back with an appointment date. To be as economical as possible we will try to organise appointments in the same area and in a logical sequence. Once an appointment is arranged customers will receive a text message and email. Please take the time to click on the link provided in the text message as it will indicate your appointment costs.

The saddlers will try their hardest to adhere to the times given to customers, however traffic, difficult horses and unexpected circumstances may delay other customers times. Where ever possible the saddlers will try to let customers know if they are running late.

You will need to allow at least an hour for your saddle fitting appointment. You should bring with you all your tack and usual riding attire, inc. your hat, bridle, girth and stirrup leathers.

The saddle fitter will begin by taking a brief history of the horse, as well as completing an overall assessment of your horse's conformation and condition.

Existing Saddles

If you are having your existing saddle checked or a re-check of a saddle which you have previously purchased from Colne Saddlery, the Saddler will look at the saddle on your horse and then may observe you riding in it to make a judgement on the adjustments that may be required. Small adjustments may be completed at your yard, such as rebalancing the flocking. Any saddles that need more substantial adjustments may need to come back to our workshop to be completed.

New or Second Hand Saddles

Customers who are trying new or second hand saddles will need to ride in the saddles in order for the Saddler to assess the fit and the rider to assess the general comfort. Ideally you need to have access to an arena or a flat dry area so you can walk, trot and canter in the saddle. If you are trying the saddle for jumping, access to jumps is required. The Saddler will be able to discuss with you the specific fitting points and the benefits of each saddle.

The Saddle Fitters will offer their professional opinion on which saddle is of the best fit for your horse so you can make the most informed decision regarding which saddle to purchase.

The Saddler will consider part exchange on your saddle when you are purchasing a new saddle. The part exchange depends on the make and condition of your saddle and is at the discretion of the saddler.

Once you have decided on the purchase of a saddle the fitter will be able to advise you on the aftercare, including when the saddle would need refitting.