To help us make the most of your saddle fitting, please take a few minutes to prepare in advance. This ensures we have all the information and the right environment to give you and your horse the best service. Please take the time to read our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

1. Complete the Booking Form

Before your appointment, please fill in our Saddle Fitting Assessment Form.
This form is important as it gathers details about your horse, your current saddle(s), and your riding goals. Having this information ahead of time allows us to tailor the fitting and saves valuable time on the day. Recent pictures of your horse are required.

2. Your Horse

Please make sure your horse is clean, dry, and groomed, so we can accurately assess their back and topline.

Your horse should be sound and fit to work on the day of the appointment.

Have a safe, flat area available where your horse can be walked and trotted up in-hand.

3. Riding Space

A suitable space (arena, flat paddock, etc) will be needed for the ridden assessment.

Please ensure your horse is in work and you are happy to ride at walk, trot, and canter (if appropriate).

4. Equipment

Please have all relevant saddles, girths, numnahs/pads, and bridles ready for the session.

If you use multiple saddles, we’ll check them all — so bring anything you want assessed.

5. Time

Allow 1.5–2 hours per horse.

Please plan your day so that we can complete the assessment without rushing.

✨ Don’t worry if you’re unsure about anything — I’ll guide you through each step and answer any questions along the way.

When you book a saddle fitting with Carrick Saddlery, you can expect a comprehensive, horse-centred service. Every appointment is designed to ensure the best comfort, balance, and performance for both horse and rider.

1. Initial Conversation

We’ll start by talking about your horse’s background — age, breed, workload, history of injuries, and any behavioural or ridden issues you’ve noticed. Your own goals as a rider are equally important, as the saddle must support both horse and rider in your chosen discipline.

2. Static Assessment

This stage gives us an in-depth picture of your horse’s current condition and movement before the saddle is even placed. It includes:

Conformation & topline check – assessing your horse’s build, muscle development, and symmetry along the back and shoulders.

Back palpation – gently running hands along the spine and muscles to check for soreness, tightness, or asymmetry.

In-hand walk & trot-up – watching the horse in motion to spot any unevenness, restriction, or irregularities in gait that may influence saddle fit.

Template measurements – using flexible curve to template & record the shape and width of your horse’s back at several points. This creates a reference for how your horse changes over time and helps guide correct saddle selection.

Current saddle check – placing your existing saddle(s) on the horse without pads to assess balance, width, panel contact, and clearance of the wither and spine.

This thorough process ensures we have a complete understanding of your horse’s back and movement before progressing to ridden work.

3. Ridden Assessment

Once we have established how the saddle looks statically, we’ll see how it performs in motion. You’ll be asked to ride in walk, trot, and canter (where appropriate), so we can observe the saddle’s balance, stability, and how it influences both your position and your horse’s freedom of movement.

4. Adjustments & Solutions

Where possible, flocking adjustments or small balance corrections can be made on-site. If a new saddle or alternative model is the best option, we’ll explain your choices clearly and without pressure.

5. Aftercare & Follow-Up

At the end of the appointment, we’ll provide you with feedback, advice, and an aftercare plan. This may include recommended exercises to help your horse develop, a suggested timescale for your next saddle check, or ongoing support if you’re trying new saddles.

At Carrick Saddlery, we believe in clear, transparent pricing.Payment is due on the day of your appointment.
Accepted methods: Cash or Bank Transfer (BACS)

1. Saddle Fitting Appointments

Full Saddle Consultation – £70
Includes horse & rider assessment, static and ridden fit. Includes one saddle check. Additional saddle £30 each.
Includes up to 15 miles travel from KA19.

Static Fit – £50
For young horses, rehab cases, or situations where ridden assessment is not yet possible.

2. Adjustments & Workshop Services

Flocking Adjustments – from £25
On-site adjustments to improve saddle balance and comfort.

Full Saddle Re-flock – £120
All old flocking removed and replaced with new wool for a fresh, even fit and improved comfort.
This requires your saddle to be brought to the workshop and is usually recommended every 2 years.

3.Travel Costs

First 15 miles included (from KA19).
Thereafter charged at 50p per mile.

4.Cancellations

Within 24 hours – 100% (£70).
Within 48 hours – 50% (£35).

5. Buying a New Saddle

Lead times are usually 6–12 weeks (sometimes longer, depending on manufacturer).
50% deposit required at the time of ordering.
Remaining 50% payable on delivery/fitting.
Return visit for fitting is free of charge.
Covered by manufacturer’s warranty.

6. Buying a Second-Hand Saddle

Available from current stock, or can be sourced if needed.
If sourced, the same 50% deposit / 50% balance applies.
Return visit for fitting is free of charge.
No warranties on second-hand saddles, aside from any still valid under the original manufacturer.

Refund Policy

✨ We are always happy to talk you through your options and guide you in choosing the right saddle — with no pressure to purchase.