Simply put: Because we take the guesswork out of finding and maintaining a saddle that is good for you and your horse! We approach every fitting like a fact finding mission. This is a puzzle and we solve puzzles.
A Week in the Life
Let me share what this past week looked like:
I took 4 horses out of their TERRIBLE fitting saddles and made them and their owners happy. One of them, the trainer and owner both said they had never seen the horse NOT stumble over a ground pole. He happily walked, trotted, and cantered over them during his fitting in an inexpensive new saddle that fit him well.
I got to see the improvements in 3 horses who have been working in their new saddles for the past 2 months, and were ready for their follow up flocking adjustments. Every single rider reported how happy they were with the saddles, with the rides they were having, and with how much their horses' bodies had improved. No more aggression while girthing up, no more avoiding the mounting block, no more hiding in the corners of the stall when tack was presented. All positive results.
I had a whole fitting addressing asymmetry in the rider and the horse. The session ended with some specially made shims and a recommendation to a wonderful human chiropractor.
I got to deliver 2 saddles to 2 amazing sweet horses who moved better in their new saddles than they have ever moved before! Both custom made in perfect trees and even a little sparkle for their riders! An investment, yes, but those saddles will be with those horses for years to come!
I drove over 1,200 miles this week, doled out pounds of flocking, consoled frustrated clients who worked with other fitters, and kissed a bunch of fuzzy noses. All while sterilizing between barns because EHV and biosecurity are a real thing and we practice safe fitting.
Why I Do This
I love my job, and I work to develop long term relationships with my clients and their horses. I love to solve puzzles. Many of my clients I have seen multiple times over the last several years and we enjoy catching up as much as we enjoy the fittings.
Yes, paying a saddle fitter costs money. Yes, we are all operating on a budget with our horses. Yes, saddles are real money. But the peace of mind, the knowledge that your horse is as comfortable as it can be, that you are as safe and supported as you can be... that peace of mind is worth a lot more than I could charge.
Some of the saddles I sell come in at $2,000, some of them come in at $9,000, but to each of those horses and their riders, they are worth every penny. If they aren't right, we won't sell it.
If you want to learn more about saddles and how your rides might improve with a well fitted saddle with various features, reach out and let's explore the puzzle together. If we can't find a great solution we will at least get you a lot more information to help you along the path to finding the next best options.