The Saddle Buying Experience
When you decide to invest in a saddle from Sussex Saddles at Stockley Outdoor & Equestrian, it’s important to understand that you are investing in yourself, not just your horse. The choice of saddle is tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and the discipline you wish to pursue.
Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Choose the Brand
Start by selecting the brand that aligns with your riding style and requirements. You can find detailed information on the brand websites to help guide your decision.
Step 2: Choose the Style
Explore the various styles offered by the chosen brand. Each style is designed to cater to different disciplines and preferences, so you can find one that suits you best.
Step 3: Visit the Store
Come to our store to see the saddles in person and try them for size and comfort. It’s crucial to ensure that the saddle feels comfortable and secure while you’re seated in it.
Step 4: Arrange a Saddle Fitting
Once you’ve narrowed down your choice, arrange an appointment with our saddle fitter. Our expert will work with you to make any necessary adjustments to ensure the saddle fits you perfectly.
Step 5: No-Obligation Saddle Fit
We offer a no-obligation saddle fitting service, tailored to your convenience, with your chosen saddle. Please note there is a £72 fee for this service.
Step 6 (Optional): Try Before You Buy
If you’d like, we can even arrange for you to leave the saddle for a short period to test it out in real riding conditions.
It’s essential to remember that no single saddle can claim to fit every horse. We recommend seeking professional advice to ensure that you choose the best saddle and fit that meets the unique needs of both you and your horse. In cases where your horse has specific conformation, such as being particularly broad or narrow, specific saddle choices may be necessary. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re here to help you find the perfect saddle that enhances your riding experience.
Selecting your saddle style
After deciding which brand aligns with your abilities and budget, the next step is choosing the style that best suits your riding needs. Saddle styles can be broadly categorized into three main groups:
- General Purpose (GP) or All-Purpose (AP) Saddle:
These versatile saddles are designed for a variety of riding disciplines.
GP saddles can come with a Deep seat, providing enhanced security, or an Open seat for riders who engage in more varied activities.
- Jump Saddle:
Jump saddles are tailored for riders who focus on jumping disciplines.
These saddles offer variations from Flat seats to Open seats and even Deep seats, catering to different jumping preferences.
- Dressage Saddle:
Dressage saddles are designed specifically for the demands of dressage riding, emphasizing rider position and communication with the horse.
It’s important to note that there are variations within each of these style groups. For instance, Jump saddles are typically close-fitting and narrow through the twist to ensure that the rider feels closely connected with the horse, rather than perched.
The choice of style depends on your riding goals, preferences, and the specific disciplines you wish to pursue. Our team at Sussex Saddles is here to assist you in finding the ideal style that matches your riding style and ensures your comfort and security in the saddle.
Visit our Store
We encourage you to come to our store, where you can explore our extensive selection of saddles. Trying out different styles in person is a valuable part of the decision-making process. Our store is equipped with a wide range of saddles to help you make an informed choice.
Knowledgeable Staff at Your Service
In both of our stores, you’ll find our knowledgeable and experienced staff who are well-versed in the systems and styles we offer. They can guide you through the decision-making process, providing you with insights and recommendations.
Find Your Perfect Saddle
Choosing the right saddle is a significant decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Many of our customers find that sitting on our mount in the store, with the saddle, provides a practical and insightful way to gauge how the saddle will feel when it’s on a horse.
Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we’re dedicated to helping you make the best choice. So, come in and visit us – we look forward to assisting you in finding the perfect saddle to suit your unique needs and riding style.
Making the Appointment
Preparing for the Saddle Fit
For the saddle fitting process, there are a few essential considerations to ensure it goes smoothly and effectively:
- Horse Readiness:
Your horse should be prepared and ready for the start of the saddle fitting.
The horse’s grooming area, specifically where the saddle will be placed, should be clean and well-groomed.
- Examination and Discussion:
Our expert, James, will spend time examining your horse’s back.
He will take a template and discuss any specific requirements or considerations to tailor the saddle fit accurately.
- Rider Presence:
An appropriate rider should be present during the fitting process. For instance, if the saddle fit is for a child, the child must be on-site and ready to ride.
- Ideal Working Environment:
Ideally, there should be a stable available for James to work in.
Additionally, a field, riding area, or sand school is needed to observe the horse being ridden. This is crucial for assessing the fit of the saddle in action.
- Adjustments and Assessments:
During the fitting, James may ask the rider to hop on and off the horse as he adjusts the saddle to ensure a perfect fit.
For a visual demonstration of our saddle fitting process, here’s a short video of James performing a saddle check on his own horse, Oh Vlo (video inserted here).
At Sussex Saddles, we prioritise the well-being and comfort of both horse and rider, and we use the HART system to ensure the ultimate fit for your horse.