Saddle Fitting
Kat’s Saddle Fitting Background
Kat has not only been a classical trainer since 1997, she is also a qualified Master Saddle Fitting Consultant (MSFC). Kat offers saddle fitting as an independent service to her teaching so you do not need to be a training client of Kat’s to have a saddle fitting consultation.
Kat became a saddle fitter as a direct result of being a classical riding Instructor and trainer. She found time and time again that the horses she was working with in a teaching/training capacity were not able to reach their full athletic potential because of ill-fitting and poorly designed saddles. Becoming a qualified saddle fitter in addition to being an instructor put Kat in a unique position to offer expertise in both saddle fitting and horse and rider training, enabling her clients to benefit from a comprehensive service.
Kat’s MSFC qualification is endorsed by the Veterinary University of Uterich and is the only external qualification recognised by the Society of Master Saddlers. Kat regularly attends veterinary and therapist courses on horse-back health for her continued professional development. Kat works closely with other horse industry professionals including Vets, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists. She has many references from Industry professionals supporting the work she does. Please click here to read some of Kat’s saddle fitting testimonials.
Kat has spent hundreds of hours with Walsall saddle makers, training and learning about the saddle making process. She can offer bespoke handmade leather saddles as well as a good range of adjustable saddle. Please contact Kat directly if you would like more information on the products she stocks.
In addition to helping horses and riders with everyday saddle fitting issues, Kat is also a specialist in remedial saddle fitting. She has vast experience helping to restore horse’s backs to a heathier state if the saddle, girth, numnah were the primary cause. If your horse needs this they are put on her ‘remedial saddle fitting programme’. She has helped countless horses develop healthy backs using her tried and tested ‘remedial saddle fitting programme’.
Kat has listed here some of the signs that may show your horse’s saddle, girth or numnah may not be fitting properly. If your horse: has muscle atrophy behind its shoulder blades; has rub marks on its back or girth area; walks to the back of its stable or turns its quarters towards you when it sees the saddle/tack; Is grumpy, aggressive or tries to walk off when the saddle is put on its back; Puts its ears back, swishes its tail, kicks or tries to bite you when girthing up; Is reluctant to stand to be mounted; Is reactive when first mounted; Is not moving with a free stride under saddle, often labelled as ‘lazy’; has their saddle slip when ridden; has started bucking, particularly in canter transition; finds bending and/or circles difficult; refuses to jump or hollows over a fence; back has strange sweat marks under the saddle area when untacked; is young and growing, age range between 3 and 8 years old; has lost or gained weight recently; has lost or gained fitness recently. This list is not exhaustive, but if your horse is showing any of the above, a saddle fitting consultation is highly recommended.
Saddle Fitting for new clients
Kat does not sell saddles without fitting them first (unless your own fitter has recommended purchasing a specific saddle). You do not need to be a training client of Kat’s to have a saddle fitting consultation.
Please allow approximately 1 ½ hours for your horse’s initial assessment. Your saddle assessment will include some or all of the list below, depending on your individual situation.
Assessment of your horse’s current back health, static and in movement.
Wither templates, information and photos documented for future reference.
Education in good/bad back health and movement in horses.
Assessment of your horse’s current saddle. Looking at whether its design features compliment your horse’s conformation, movement, workload, weight, rider etc
Education in good and bad design features of saddles.
Problem solving possible saddling issues.
If required, fitting of a new saddle.
If required flocking of old saddle (additional charge will apply)
If required a ‘remedial saddle fitting programme’
All saddles need checking for balance and width if your horse has lost/gained weight or lost/gained muscle. As a result of the possibility of backs to change shape throughout the year Kat recommends all saddles are checked for width and balance twice a year. If your horse is on a remedial fitting programme Kat may need to see your horses every 6-12 weeks until their back health has improved. If your saddle has been dropped, rolled or trodden on or been immersed in water do not use the saddle until it has been assessed by a qualified saddle fitter.
To book a saddle consultation, please contact Kat at thinkingequitation@gmail.com
Read Kat’s Saddle Fitting Testimonials here:
Saddle Fitting Pricing and Terms
Kat will travel to your own yard to assess your horse for saddle fitting. You do not need to be a training client of Kat’s to use her for saddle fitting. As well as routine and second opinion appointments, Kat specialises in helping horses with muscle atrophy and using remedial fitting techniques to improve horses back health and movement.
First appointments £100 plus travel
Follow up and routine appointments £80 plus travel
Spot flocking when required, additional £40.
A £50 deposit is payable to secure your saddle fitting appointment. The balance is payable on the day of the appointment. If the appointment is cancelled with less than 7-days notice, the £50 deposit is used as a £50 cancellation fee. If more then 7-days is given the deposit is transferrable to a future date. If Kat has to cancel that appointment the deposit can either be refunded or transferred to a future date.
Please contact Kat for more information thinkingequitation@gmail.com
Here you can read a
Saddle Fitting article Kat wrote on remedial saddle fitting, including case studies
If you’d like to learn more about Kat’s approach, please contact her at the below email address. Kat saddle fits and teaches French classical lessons and clinics across the South East of the UK and offers online theory lectures to national and international clients.
