Saddle fitting consults

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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I had my saddle checked and it fits well. Do I still have to pay the full consultation fee?

Yes. Your first appointment requires attention, time and travel expenses. Regardless of the outcome of the consultation, these are costs that are incurred.

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I’m unsure whether my saddle fits. What can I do?

You’ve contacted Watson’s — a great first step! If your doubts are serious, or if you’re seeing warning signs from your horse such as pressure marks or pain reactions, do not continue riding. Stop using this saddle to prevent the issue from getting worse.

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Can the fit of my saddle be adjusted on-site?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If during the consultation it appears that only a small adjustment to the flocking is needed, this can usually be done on-site, and we will do it immediately. If more work is required, such as replacing all the flocking or adjusting the tree width, this will be done in the workshop. In that case, expect a second delivery appointment and additional travel costs.

 

Can the tree width of my saddle be reduced?

Mostly yes. Often, by placing small shims (TreeClix), the tree width can be reduced directly on the wooden tree. Some saddles have an interchangeable gullet plate, allowing the saddle to be made wider or narrower. This is done in the workshop. Note; expect a second delivery appointment and travel costs.

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Can the tree width of my saddle be increased?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some saddles have an interchangeable gullet plate that allows the saddle to be adjusted wider or narrower. If the saddle already has a TreeClix system, we can also insert smaller shims. This is usually done in the workshop. Note: expect a second delivery appointment and travel costs.

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Is the size of my saddle fixed?

No. A saddle is fundamentally a flexible product made from materials such as leather, wood, and wool. This provides comfort and freedom of movement — exactly what you want. With use, a saddle can deform slightly due to pressure, temperature, and moisture. When mounting, your full weight pulls on one side of the saddle. When riding, the saddle absorbs the impact of your weight — especially in trot and canter, this produces significant force. All these forces affect your saddle. This cannot be prevented or predicted. The wool flocking also loses resilience over time.

For new saddles or recently adjusted saddles, it is therefore wise to check your saddle after 5–20 riding hours and schedule a follow-up check if you have any doubts.

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My saddle shifts to the left or right. What causes this?

There are several causes. The most common are:

• Uneven stirrup leathers: Because you mount using one stirrup, that leather stretches faster than the other, causing imbalance. Regularly compare the length of your stirrup leathers by removing them from the saddle and ensuring they are exactly the same length. (Using the “same hole number” is not always the correct solution.)

• Uneven panels: Over time, a saddle loses resilience in the areas that receive the most pressure. This can lead to unevenness and eventually cause the saddle to slip.

• Asymmetrical horse: Horses, like humans, are not always perfectly symmetrical. Vertebrae and muscle mass may differ, and horses often have a preferred side (just like you might prefer writing with your left or right hand). Although you might think this can be corrected in the saddle, that is usually not the best solution. For example, in cases of muscle atrophy — where a muscle under a pressure point develops poorly or loses mass — a temporary fix like a pad is usually better, so that after recovery you still have a properly balanced saddle.