Spoiler: it's about much more than just checking if your saddle fits.
If you've never booked a professional saddle fitting, you might be wondering what actually happens during one.
Will you need a new saddle? Do you have to ride? How long does it take?
The truth is, a saddle fitting is one of the best investments you can make in your horse's comfort, performance and long-term wellbeing. Whether you're experiencing obvious issues or simply want peace of mind, here's exactly what you can expect.
Meet Your Fitter: Beth Williams
Your saddle fitting will be carried out by Beth Williams, our SMS Registered & Qualified Saddle Fitter (SMS RQSF).
Beth has been fitting saddles professionally for over 15 years and has trained with the Society of Master Saddlers since 2009. She became fully SMS Registered and Qualified in 2021 and continues to attend compulsory Society of Master Saddlers CPD training alongside regular brand-specific courses to ensure she's always up to date with the latest fitting techniques.
Whether you're visiting us in Clyro, near Hay-on-Wye, booking a mobile yard visit, or even seeking advice via WhatsApp, phone or video call from anywhere in the world, you'll receive the same expert guidance.
"Good saddle fitting should be accessible to every horse and rider — wherever in the world they happen to be."
What Happens During Your Saddle Fit?
A typical fitting lasts around 90 minutes, giving plenty of time to assess both horse and rider properly.
📏 Step 1: Measuring Your Horse
Beth begins by taking detailed back measurements using a flexi-curve to record your horse's exact shape and profile.
As horses gain muscle, lose weight, change fitness or simply age, their shape changes too—and so should the way their saddle fits.
🛠 Step 2: A Full Health Check of Your Saddle
If you already own a saddle, Beth will carry out a complete safety inspection, checking:
• Tree soundness
• Gullet screws
• Stitching
• Girth billets
• Stirrup bars
• Girth and stirrup leathers
It's amazing how often small issues are spotted before they become bigger (or more expensive) problems.
🐴 Step 3: Static Saddle Assessment
Your saddle is assessed on your horse while standing still, checking:
- Balance
- Width
- Panel contact
- Pressure distribution
- Girth alignment
- Wither clearance
- Spine clearance
- Saddle length
Every detail matters.
🏇 Step 4: Rider Fit
Next, you'll hop on board.
Beth will assess how the saddle fits you, checking your position, balance, leg length and ensuring the saddle continues to fit correctly once carrying a rider.
After all, a saddle has to work for both horse and rider.
✨ Step 5: Dynamic (Ridden) Assessment
Now it's time to see everything in motion.
Beth will usually watch you walk, trot and canter on both reins (and jump if you're fitting a jumping saddle). This often reveals things that simply can't be seen while standing still.
You'll normally have the opportunity to try different saddles so you can feel the difference for yourself.
⚙ Step 6: Fine-Tuning
Once you've found the right saddle, Beth fine-tunes the fit by making any necessary adjustments to create the best possible balance and comfort for both horse and rider.
And It Doesn't End There...
Every new saddle purchased through Saddle Up & Ride includes a FREE 8–12 week follow-up appointment.
As the saddle settles and your horse adapts, Beth will return to check everything still fits perfectly and make any adjustments if needed—all included.
Why Riders Choose Saddle Up & Ride
✔ SMS Registered & Qualified Saddle Fitter
✔ Over 15 years of professional fitting experience
✔ More than 100 saddles in stock at our Clyro showroom, with even more available online
✔ Mobile appointments available across the local area
✔ Remote consultations via WhatsApp, phone or video call for riders worldwide
✔ Worldwide shipping available
📅 The Calendar Is Filling Fast!
Beth's diary is filling up fast, and next month's appointments are already booking up quickly.
If you've been meaning to have your saddle checked before the busy autumn riding season, don't leave it too late.
Whether you need an annual fit check, you're buying a new saddle, your horse has changed shape, or you simply want reassurance that everything is fitting as it should, now is the perfect time to book.
Book your saddle fitting today and give your horse the comfort they deserve.
Any question? Email Beth at saddlefitting@saddleup-andride.com or contact her on WhatsApp at +44 (0)7759 226 761
