A day in the life of a saddle fitter
Now that spring has arrived, our team of saddle fitters is busier than ever. Competition horses are getting fit and changing shape, and the arrival of spring grass can present its own challenges, particularly for owners of ponies and native types. As a result, our diary is filling up and we’re busy travelling the roads and lanes across the North East to visit our customers.
For this month’s blog, we’re following our founder, Andrea Patterson, as she goes about a ‘normal’ day in the life of a saddle fitter. We hope it will give you some insight into life as a qualified saddle fitter and why saddle fitting is such an important part of every ridden horse’s routine.
An early start – and coffee!
Like most people in the equestrian world, my day starts early as before anything else, there are four-legged friends to take care of. I’m really lucky that my Dad still lends a hand to help out with William’s retired showjumping ponies, on the days there are no staff in which is a massive help to ensure they are mucked out, fed and turned out for the day. On the days, I do have support I’m able to head to the gym and swimming pool at the Raddison Blu in Durham for 6.30 am to do a km swim, clear my head and work out the plan for the day.
While there are some mornings in the depths of winter when I’d rather not head out in the cold, wet and dark, it’s a routine I really value. That hands-on time keeps you grounded and I love staying connected to horses, even if they’re not in work anymore. From there, it’s time to get ready for the working day and that begins with a strong coffee and a look through the diary. Planning and logistics are important to me, especially when the day involves travelling between yards that can be spread out across the region. One of the biggest challenges which can be mentally draining is managing the diary, travel routes and trying to meet customer demands and a busy schedule. As most busy saddle fitters will tell you, at times it feels like trying to manage the unmanageable!
Before setting off, the van needs to be loaded with the right selection of saddles, pads, girths and fitting equipment. Every horse is different, so it’s important to have a good range available, particularly if I’m visiting a new client or following up on a previous fitting where adjustments may be needed. We get all our customers to fill in a survey, and we keep records of their history which helps us narrow down what we need. Once everything is packed and the route is mapped out, it’s time to head off.
The important bit – time with horses and their owners
Arriving at a yard is always the part of the day I look forward to most. It’s where you get to see the horse, speak to the rider and start building a picture of what’s going on.
A saddle fitting doesn’t start with plonking a saddle on the horse, the first step is always a conversation. I’ll ask about the horse’s history, their workload, any changes in behaviour or performance and whether there are any specific concerns.
From there, I’ll assess the horse on the ground, statically and in hand, looking at their conformation, muscle development, how they move, where the saddle sits and their overall condition. This helps to identify areas where pressure may be an issue, see if the saddle routinely slips or rubs, or where changes in shape have occurred.
The saddle is then checked statically, looking at how it sits on the horse’s back, the balance and stability, the angle of the tree and the length, the panel contact, the saddle clearance, the girthing position as well as the suitability for the horse and rider. After that, I want to see the horse being ridden. Watching them move under saddle gives a much clearer picture of how everything is working in practice, and if the saddle tips and moves, how much is down to a horse’s movement or rider influence and any other impacting factors. Saddle fitting is a complex business as there are so many different dynamics involved in fit.
During a fitting, I’m always looking for for freedom of movement of the horse and a rider position that allows for effective, comfortable communication.
Sometimes a saddle can be adjusted in our mobile workshop on the van, especially with some of the newer adjustable models on the market. A width change or small changes to flocking and balance can make a significant difference, both to the horse’s comfort and to how they go.
More complex adjustments and repairs may need to be carried out in the workshop, by one of our Master Saddlers or one of the Walsall factories.
It is not always possible to achieve a good fit with your current saddle especially if it is the wrong shaped tree or panel and in those cases a different model or design that is more suitable may be advised. We will always try to work with your current saddle and give you honest and realistic information about possible adjustments including re-treeing and new panels as well as pricing versus a change in saddle so you can make an informed choice. However, we can never tell you what will fit as there are so many different trees and panels on the market, no two saddles are the same and until we have assessed you riding in it we have no way of knowing what will work for you and your horse.
Every horse is different
One of the most interesting parts of the job is the variety. In a single day, I might see a young horse just starting out, a fit and raring to go competition horse and a beloved older horse still enjoying their work.
Each one presents a slightly different challenge, as horses change shape over time due to training, age, workload and even the seasons. A saddle that fitted well six months ago may no longer be quite right, which is why regular checks are so important.
Between visits
A large part of the day is spent travelling between yards. The North East has a wonderful mix of countryside, but it does mean plenty of time on the road.
That time is often used to catch up on calls, a stop for a cuppa to plan the next visit or grabbing some lunch on the go and checking emails and messages from the team. The weather can play its part too, as all horse folk know! Working outdoors means adapting to whatever the day brings, from bright, crisp mornings to wind and rain. It’s all part of the job but I am grateful I’m not chained to a desk all day long.
Back at Castle House HQ
Some days are spent at the Castle House Saddlery office and yard in Crook, County Durham, and we are currently working to renew and upgrade aspects of the yard to allow more clients to bring their horses to us. These fittings will offer a slightly different environment, with access to a wider range of stock and the support of the team. It will also give us the opportunity to spend a bit more time exploring options and making adjustments, particularly in more complex cases. Having a base like this is invaluable and complements the work we do out on the road.
The work behind the scenes
What people often don’t see is everything that happens around the fittings themselves. There is ongoing training, keeping up to date with new saddle designs and materials, and maintaining the standards expected of a Master Saddle Fitter.
My role as President of the Society of Master Saddlers also brings additional responsibilities, from supporting the wider industry to helping maintain professional standards. There are definitely a few more emails for me to answer at the end of the day now, but I’m so privileged to be able to share my knowledge and help shape our industry.
Alongside that, there is the day-to-day running of the business, working with the team, ordering stock and following up with clients after appointments.
Why it matters
If you’re reading this then I hope you’re already someone who knows the value of saddle fitting, but it’s worth a recap. A well-fitting saddle is fundamental to a horse’s comfort and performance. Poor saddle fit can lead to tension, behavioural issues and damage to their back that can turn into serious physical problems.
On the other hand, when a saddle fits correctly, you often see a noticeable difference. Horses move more freely; the contact becomes more consistent and the overall partnership between horse and rider improves.
At the end of the day
By the time the day draws to a close, there is usually time to head home, catch up on messages and prepare for the next day before doing it all again.
Outside of work, I value the time that allows me to switch off. Spending time with Max, my son’s labrador cross cocker spaniel, is a non-negotiable part of my daily routine and a good way to clear my head. Swimming a few mornings each week also helps me stay balanced, both physically and mentally. I love more time to eat out and socialise as I’m a sucker for great seafood or a good steak but most of the time you are eating on the go. It’s an active job and staying well-fuelled is vital which is why it is essential to prepare your food for the day ahead. I even have a mini fridge in the van which is great for keeping those drinks and snacks cool in the Summer.
If you’d like to book a fitting
If you feel your horse has changed shape, your saddle no longer feels quite right or you simply want peace of mind, it’s always worth taking a closer look. We’re always happy to talk things through and help you find the right solution. Our online booking system can appear to be booked for several months ahead as we try to keep appointments in an area to limit the amount of travel and keep call out costs low. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please drop us a text on 07949 274849 as we can often fit you in a day when we are in the area. We will always respond as soon as we can but as you can see from our busy days especially in the Summer it can prove quite tricky to respond immediately. Alternatively, click here to book an appointment now.