Current Saddle Fit Check Appointment Info

Please read the following information to prepare for your upcoming appointment with Safe and Sound Saddle Fit:

  • Be prepared to ride during your appointment. If you are unable to ride, please have someone else present who can ride your horse instead.
  • Please groom your horse before your fitter arrives. If your horse needs a short warm-up, please also do so before your appointment.

Step 1: Static Fit Evaluation

  • Your appointment begins with an in-barn evaluation of your horse (untacked, standing on level footing in cross-ties or other quiet area).
  • Evaluation includes palpation, tracings and/or measurements, conformation analysis, and discussion of your horse’s health/soundness/training history.
  • Your saddle is first evaluated on your horse without a pad or girth/cinch. Your fitter will assess the saddle’s balance, position, tree shape, and condition of the tree, panels, and billets.

Step 2: Dynamic Fit Evaluation

  • You then tack up using your regular pad and girth, and ride your horse in an arena (or other safe location with soft, level footing) at the walk and trot. Canter is optional.
  • Your fitter will evaluate the saddle’s balance, position, stability, and your horse’s behavior and movement to determine any adjustments needed.

Step 3: Adjustments and Reevaluation

  • If your saddle is wool-flocked, your fitter may then adjust the panels using 100% natural wool. Adjustments can take approx. 10-20 minutes, depending on how much wool is needed.
  • If flocking and/or padding are adjusted, your fitter will reassess the fit and observe changes in the saddle’s balance and stability, your comfort and position, and your horse’s behavior and movement.
  • Occasionally, multiple minor adjustments are needed to optimize the fit.
  • Saddle Fit Checks can take 45 to 60 mins per saddle, depending on adjustments needed.

Fees:

  • Payments are due at the time of service. Cash, Venmo, PayPal, check (payable to ‘Safe and Sound Saddle Fit), or credit card are accepted.
  • Travel fees ($25/hour round-trip) are divided between all clients that day.
  • Saddle Fit Checks range from $75-$150 per saddle + travel, per horse (depending on adjustments needed, if any).
  • If your saddle requires a complete flocking replacement, your fitter will need to take your saddle to extract old material and replace with new wool (this can take approx. 3-5 business days). Complete reflocking starts at $275 + travel, and includes an initial fit check after the work is complete.
  • Complimentary initial fit evaluations (for new/pre-owned saddles purchased from SSSF, or after a complete flocking replacement) must be scheduled within 2 months of receiving your saddle (travel/delivery fees apply). Initial fit evaluations scheduled after 2 months are subject to the standard Fit Check and Flocking Adjustment fees plus travel.

Policies:

  • Please provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
  • HEALTH & BIOSECURITY: We take our human and equine clients’ health very seriously. We travel to many locations and touch many horses, saddles, bits, etc. If you or your horse has recently been exposed to or diagnosed with a communicable illness (e.g. strangles, EHV-1, influenza, COVID-19, strep throat, etc.) please contact us to reschedule.
  • WEATHER POLICY: If the forecast is 10ºF or below or 100ºF or above on the day of your appointment, you will be contacted at least 24 hours prior to reschedule. We may also need to reschedule your appointment if weather and/or driving conditions are hazardous. We thank you for your understanding as we try to keep everyone comfortable, healthy, and safe!

Contact info@safesoundsaddle.com with any questions or concerns, or to reschedule your appointment.
Thank you and we look forward to assisting your and your horse!