Saddle Fitting

Bridging the Gap Between You and Your Horse

That's what saddle fitting is all about.

As a nurse practitioner on one side, and an equestrian on the other, I use my deep knowledge of biomechanics to help human and horse alike. Although horses don't speak with words, they communicate through behavior and their energy. So, it truly helps that I speak their language. As we work together, you'll likely speak it too, as I love sharing what I observe and learn. I'm the translator of your horse's behavior. Together, we'll consider what we should try to fix, heal, grow and learn.

You and your horse are a team, a partnership. It's my goal to listen, observe and correctly translate the dynamics of your horse-rider team to recommend the best solutions.

What I'll need from you...

Costs Involved

Your horse is acting up.

They get mean when you try to put on the bridle, tack, saddle, etc.
They're resistant to being caught.
"He's having a bad day." "He's always been like this since I've had him."

Your horse is reactive.

When you go to pet their back.
When you go to brush them.

Your horse seems uncoordinated, short-strided, "just not right"

They're tripping.
Not able to turn each way.
Not able to "collect."
Refuses to jump.

Is a poorly fitting saddle to blame?

My Goal for Your Saddle Fitting

Listen, observe and correctly translate the dynamics of your horse-rider team to recommend the best solutions for your unique situation.

During a saddle fitting, I look at the biomechanics of human and horse every single time. I look at how much their leg swings when riding, if their hips rise and fall evenly when posting a trot, if they lean more left, right, forward, or back. I notice if their shoulders are uneven, if one leg is longer than the other.

I watch how the person walks before saddling up and how they get on the horse – if they have hip issues, if they need more assistance and can’t handle some saddles that are wider at the twist. If they have back issues, they will be stiff when walking and can’t get into the saddle easily.

All of the nuance plays a role in how the horse and their rider communicate, work together, ride together, and grow older together. It also plays a huge role in the riding equipment that is – and should – be used for each horse and rider team.

Is it the right saddle? Shouldn't it cause happiness and not pain? Two of the many questions we'll consider together.

We're bodies in motion...

It's my goal to listen, observe and correctly translate dynamics of your horse-rider team to recommend the best solutions.

Ready to do this?

In-Person Saddle Fitting (Full Evaluation)

~ 1.5 Hours

$125

Let's do this!

INCLUDES:

Static evaluation (looking at symmetry)
Movement evaluation (of your horse's walk and trot)
Tracings of horse's back while standing square
Saddle evaluation (checking for soundness, safety, etc.)
Dynamic riding evaluation
Deep-dive discussion about your saddle needs & your horse's bodywork needs

PLEASE NOTE:

If it has been longer than 6 months since your riding team's last saddle fitting, I must do this full evaluation at this $125 service cost (no discounts can be applied).

Hard to find?

Research-to-the-Rescue Saddle Searching*

After the initial saddle fitting, and before the follow-up

*not a commonly occurring task, but I don't always guess right!

$30/hour

INCLUDES:

Saddle searching
Making unique saddle arrangements
Sourcing saddle manufacturers, inventory, customization options

What the flock?

On-Site Touch-up* Flocking

~ 45 minutes

$75

PLEASE NOTE:

I will only do touch-up flocking AFTER the full saddle fitting.
It is pointless to add wool to a saddle that doesn't fit and is a liability to you and your horse's welfare.
Touch-up flocking is only done on-site.

*Not a full flocking (where saddle seams are opened & then need stitched close). My hands can't take the pressure of stitching up the saddle.

Complete my Release of Liability Agreement if you've not yet done so.
Make sure your horse's environment is calm, clean, quiet, and collected.
Ensure your horse is clean, and well-groomed, with no tack or blankets.
Your horse must be able to stand still on a dry, level surface.
Be prepared to ride.
Your horse must be able to ride without any lameness.
I bring saddles that should fit you and your horse (and for education of possibilities).
I'll need to park near the barn. If I can't, then the horse will need to come out to my car.
Be ready when I arrive. If I have to wait to start, a $60 fee will be added to the total bill.
If I am running late, I will text an update as soon as I know.

The day of...

Very recent pictures of your horse are incredibly important for me to properly plan for your saddle fitting. Your horse should be "squared up" to show their natural symmetry. The first picture I need is from behind – a view over the back – as you can see here. The second picture should be the side profile, as seen.

I will be bringing a selection of saddles that should fit both you and your horse together. So, please make sure to share your seat size, discipline and budget as accurately as possible when completing my contact form.

I can do on-site touch-up flocking to your current saddle, if that's all you need after we go through the saddle fitting process, but I bring extra saddles for everyone just in case.