Saddle Fitting

Here at the National Saddle Centre we pride ourselves on delivering the complete saddle fitting experience. We understand the importance of having the right saddle for both you and the horse. Jo Beavis, who has over 30 years of experience and is both a qualified SMS Master Saddle Fitter and an SMS Master Saddler, founded the National Saddle Centre in 1992.

SADDLE FITTING

With a range of saddles from various brands, we can give you the professional, independent help of either a SMS Master Saddle Fitter or SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter to ensure this is the right choice for you both. Having been involved in many research projects surrounding saddlery, fitting and performance our aim is always to improve the performance and freedom of movement whilst ensuring comfort for the horse and rider.

The saddlery industry is constantly evolving and we love seeing and being part of all the new developments coming through. Scientific research is a key part of the ever-evolving industry and we are proud to say that we are heavily involved in this.

We have extensive experience with all shapes and sizes, from happy hackers and cobs all the way up to top level competition horses. Our huge variety of saddles and products ensures we have something to fit every horse we see.

We cover a large area of the UK but you can also bring your horse to us in Rowington, where we have an arena with a few jumps to give you a true feel of the saddle you are trying.

Achieving The optimum fit

The team at the National Saddle Centre are constantly working to achieve the optimum fit – every horse and rider combination are unique!

We first take time to understand your individual requirements, the direction you wish to take, your targets and ambitions and the subtle changes that can affect the success of the horse/rider partnership.

A full physical assessment of your horse, their conformation and movement are made and recorded, not only for today but future reference. Your horse’s level of training and any issues encountered are noted as this can affect the balance, stability and straightness of your saddle.

Test rides and feedback are recorded to best determine the most appropriate saddle which ensures rider security and balance whilst allowing the horse to work at maximum efficiency. The comfort of the saddle for horse and rider is essential for maximum performance and is a multi-dimensional issue, which is relative to the discipline you are trying to excel in.

Get in touch to organise a saddle fitting

We do understand how important this process is and getting it right is our aim. As avid horse owners and riders we understand every horse and rider is unique and therefore each check-up is tailored to suit both of your needs. You can discuss any concerns or issues you may be having surrounding your saddle with us throughout the time we spend with you to ensure the NSC meets all your requirements.

If you would like fittings for multiple horses please either fill out this form for each horse or contact us directly and we would be happy to help.

The importance of correct saddle fit

We and The Society of Master Saddlers always recommend saddles are checked every 6 months as a minimum, usually sooner. Horses change shape continuously and it is imperative that the saddle fits at all times. Even the smallest niggle can escalate as the horse or rider compensates.

It has been shown by Russel MacKechnie-Guire from Centaur Biomechanics that the force created by the rider is 2x the riders weight in trot and 2.5x the rider’s weight in canter, therefore greatly exacerbating any aspect of incorrect saddle fit.

Has it been over 6 months since your saddle was checked?
Book an appointment HERE

Jo Beavis

Jo has been a qualified Society of Master Saddlers Registered Master Saddler (SMSMS) since 1984 and is also a Society of Master Saddlers Master Saddle Fitter.

Jo is based in Rowington, Warwickshire but travels across the UK and can deliver saddle-fitting clinics alongside Fairfax bridle fittings.

With brands ranging from Kent and Masters to Erreplus, Jo is able to source the correct saddle for you. We understand how important decisions like this are, so this is the perfect opportunity to work with a Master Saddle Fitter to ensure this purchase is the right one for you.

Get in touch to organise a saddle fitting

At the National Saddle Centre we are constantly working to maximise biomechanical ability in order to reduce fatigue, and increase all round mechanical confidence, without compromise.

Fill in our enquiry form or contact us directly to get booked in.