FAQ

By reviewing specific photos of your horse and saddle, along with information about your horse, saddle, and any fit concerns you may have, I can evaluate many of the important factors involved in saddle fit. During our virtual consultation, we’ll review everything together so I can explain what I’m seeing, identify areas of concern, and discuss practical options that may help. If the saddle appears to be basically suitable but could benefit from an adjustment, such as flocking to improve its balance, I’ll recommend that as well.

Absolutely. If you already own a saddle and simply want to know whether it is appropriate for your horse, that is exactly the type of question I can help you with. I’ll evaluate the information and photos you provide and discuss how the saddle appears to fit your horse, any areas of concern I see, and whether there are adjustments that may improve the fit.

Yes. A saddle trial is an ideal time to have the fit evaluated—before you make the decision to purchase it. Using the requested photos and information about your horse and the saddle, I can help you determine whether the saddle appears appropriate for your horse, identify any areas of concern, and discuss whether adjustments may be needed.

Yes. I can evaluate the fit of a Western saddle and help identify potential fit concerns. If you’re considering a Western saddle for trail riding, I can also discuss what to look for when choosing one for your horse.

Not necessarily. A half pad can be useful in certain situations, but adding one changes the relationship between the saddle and the horse’s back. If a saddle already fits well, adding extra padding can sometimes make the fit worse rather than better. I can help you determine whether a half pad is appropriate for your horse and saddle, and if so, what type may be most suitable.

Proper saddle position is very important. A saddle placed too far forward can interfere with the movement of the horse’s shoulder and can also affect the balance and fit of the saddle. During your consultation, I can show you how to identify the correct position for your particular saddle on your horse and explain what landmarks to use so you can position it correctly each time you ride.

A point billet is a billet attached toward the front of the saddle at the point of the tree rather than in the more traditional position. It can be useful on certain horses when the saddle has a tendency to move forward or when the horse’s conformation makes it difficult for the saddle to remain in the correct position. A point billet isn’t appropriate for every horse or every saddle. During your consultation, I can evaluate whether your saddle’s position and your horse’s conformation suggest that a point billet may be helpful.

Yes. The type, shape, and length of the girth can affect both your horse’s comfort and the stability of the saddle. During your consultation, I can evaluate your horse’s conformation, saddle, and girthing arrangement and discuss whether a different type or size of girth may be more appropriate.

Before your appointment, I’ll need specific photos of your horse and saddle, along with some basic information about your horse, saddle, and any fit concerns you may have. Complete instructions and photo examples are provided on the Before Your Appointment page of this website.

During your appointment, we’ll meet by video and I will review the information and photos you submitted beforehand. I’ll explain what I’m seeing, discuss how your saddle appears to fit your horse, and point out any areas of concern. We’ll also discuss practical options that may improve the fit, including adjustments such as flocking or changes in padding when appropriate. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions along the way.

A virtual saddle fitting appointment is 45 minutes and costs $75 for the first saddle. Additional saddles can be evaluated for $30 each.

If I feel your saddle is not an appropriate fit for your horse, I’ll explain what I’m seeing and why I’m concerned. If it is just wrong for your horse and no padding or flocking can help, I’ll tell you that as well and we can discuss what you should look for in a more appropriate saddle. When appropriate, I can also discuss saddle types or specific brands that may be better suited to your horse.

Yes. A virtual evaluation cannot completely replace having a qualified saddle fitter physically examine the horse and saddle in person. However, with good photos, accurate information, and the measurements I request, I can evaluate many important aspects of saddle fit and identify potential problems. If I see something that I believe requires an in-person evaluation, I’ll tell you.

Yes. Your $75 virtual saddle fitting consultation includes evaluation of one saddle. You may add up to two additional saddles to the same appointment for $30 each. You can select additional saddles when you book your appointment.