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I am now offering an entire saddle, bit and bridle fitting service in the South West of England.
I cover Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. Other areas by arrangement.

I am a member of the Society of Master Saddlers and hold my City & Guilds qualification in Saddlery and have made and repaired saddles since qualifying in 1981.

I undertake continuous professional development (CPD) training with a particular interest in anatomy and biomechanics.

Some of the courses I attended in 2019 include:

Gillian Higgins – Horses Inside Out – Anatomy for saddle fitters 2 days Soc of Master Saddlers -challenging fits and practical solutions 1 day Masterson Method day with Julie Green 1 day
Prestige Italia – 2 day saddle fitting clinic – retailer training
Horse Bit Fit – Lantra training day 1 day Horse Bit Fit – 2 day consultant training

This year my first course for 2020 was First Aid at Work with equine emphasis, run by Medi-K training. I like to look out for my human clients as well as the equine ones!

How it works:
I will chat on the phone or by email first to see what help you would like. I can check saddles that you have, reflock and rebalance to improve fit. Advise on use of different pads and girthing solutions, I will bring a selection of both.
If a different saddle is required, I am happy to bring them with me. I stock a comprehensive range of saddles for all size of horse, pony and rider and I cover all the disciplines, with the exception of western. Brands I work with range from Thorowgood, Kent & Masters, Jeffries, Loxley, Harry Dabbs, Prestige and Bliss of London. Saddles can be sold on the day, or, if nothing is suitable, I can have a saddle made to template to you and your horses specifications.

I carry flock, gullets (for the Thorowgood and Kent & Masters saddles) and a toolbox with me. It is also possible to alter the width of saddles with traditional trees. This will entail the saddle coming back to the workshop and another visit to refit. Templates are taken on every visit to monitor your horses changing shape.

A safe flat area is essential for the preliminary examination and running the horse up inhand. I also need to see you ride, so a safe flat area is also needed. A school is ideal, but if weather permits then a flat field with no ruts or other horses may be suitable.

My work as part of the Horse Bit Fit team has helped immensely and is a vital part of helping your horse fulfil his potential.

Combined appointments can be arranged for bitting and saddle fitting. I recommend a versatile range of bits and bridles to ensure your horses comfort.

Aftercare:
Your saddle is probably the biggest purchase you will make after your horse. I like to work closely with the rest of your team – vet, farrier, physio, to help your horse work in comfort. As soon as your saddle is used, the panels will begin to compress. They are filled with good quality wool or fibre. This will compress over time and need attention. A regular visit from myself to adjust the flocking and check on your horses changing shape will help prevent changes becoming issues. Prevention is always better than cure, particularly where your horses well being is concerned. Horses also will change shape depending on health issues, time of year and level of fitness. I am always here for advice whether by email, facebook message or phone.

Click HERE to fill out our saddle fitting request form

Sue Paine – 07496378721
Dragonfly Saddlery
Horse Bit Fit Consultant South West