Jenny Smith is a fully independent saddle fitter who offers the complete saddle fitting service. She has 45 years practical experience.

Her passion is horses and she understands why balance between horse and rider is very important. To sit on a horse and hardly need to think is a joy.

That is the meaning of a good saddle.

At her mobile services, Jenny watches how your horse moves and tracks up. If your horse has had a bad fit or is very apprehensive, Jenny will show you how to relax them.

If you wish to discuss saddle fit problems or concerns before you book an appointment just give the company a call. You'll notice the difference when you have a horse with a better top line and your riding and riding position improves, even your comfort.

Her website www.saddlewise-southwest.co.uk has a query page which you should use if you are not sure about your saddle and you need answers. If your existing saddle fits the horse, she will tell you!

Jenny visits and measures to fit your horse with the correct width of saddle, giving you the chance to try different saddles to your horse for your comfort. Your horse will be relaxed in home surroundings and will respond to a good fit by moving freely.

You will not knowingly be left with a saddle that will cause problems to your horse. If it causes bad behaviour, sore spots or impedes his movement, then she will return.

99% of the time Jenny has no need to return.

A good equation to work to is this - Saddle fit for horse + Saddle fit for rider = Balanced ride.

Do you have any of these problems with your horse and its saddle when you approach?

Head shaking?
Make faces when you approach with a saddle?
Bite or shake his head when girthing.
Twitching in saddle area under your brush / touch.
When mounted, do you feel pushed forward? Or are you tipped back?
Is the saddle level? Particularly when mounted Pommel and cantle should be level? (some exceptions depends on Make)
Does the saddle swing at the back - not to be confused with his hips moving side to side? A saddle may (needs) to lift to allow this movement hence springing in tree. It must always return with the gullet over dorsal line.
Toss his head when jumping or in rising trot?
Toss his head up and down particularly coming homewards from hacking?
Nap or rear? Heavy on the forehand with short stride?
Track up after warm up? Refuse fences?
Does he move as well as when on his own in the field? Moving freely forward? Is he soft to the bit and free in shoulder movement?
Down hill is he freely forward or mincing his steps.
Does he have white patches OR hollows behind the wither?
Does he have poor top line dropping each side of the spine?
Is his coat rippled when you remove saddle?

If any of these issues occur your saddle probably does not fit, the tree does not match his frame. Most likely it will be the incorrect width for his shoulder.
Does saddle push to one side? (Tip With saddle on horse, stand in front of head and look at shoulders each side, Get horse to lower head straight to front ON level ground and gauge shoulder shape each side, use bucket food, or tidbits. If his shoulder is more pronounced on right from front then the saddle will be pushed to your right as you ride – You will need to do more circles to left to stretch and develop his shoulder on his right hand side.)

To avoid saddle rubs
Use your saddle straight on the horses back Damp and movement will mould it to his changing shape and make it much more comfortable to the horse!

Most riders choose a saddle for looks or fashion, it is a must have because of the name. They do not realise they are paying for the advertising of that name! Many saddles are made by one person businesses if the saddle is of excellent quality there is no need for a name as they are sold as soon as they are made, these are craftsmen in their own right.

Jenny explains why and how a saddle fits or why a saddle does not fit your horse or pony.

You are welcome to ask any questions. Your comfort is your choice as every rider has a different feel and width of pelvis / seat bones, also different length of leg "Knee to hip" This determines what size saddle you require.

When Jenny visits it is your chance to try different shaped seats and sizes - your chance is to see if your horses behavior problem subsides. The space above the wither is important but NOT the only criteria for saddle fitting and it is not a specified height!

If your saddle is correct Jenny will also tell you so! And it will only cost you the callout fee for your venue not per horse or saddle. Jenny will need up to two hours of your time, and daylight!

For more details please contact Jenny:

Website: http://www.saddlewise-southwest.co.uk/
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Tel: +44 (0)1752 299 735
Mobile: +44 (0)7968 959 508