Whilst a new saddle is probably the biggest expense you will have after the purchase of your horse, if correctly fitted and maintained it should last for years.

Firstly it is very important to make sure you have a correctly qualified person to fit your saddle. You should always use a Society of Master Saddlers Registered Saddle Fitter.

Kevin McArdle's saddle fitting service offers sound honest advice and is built on recommendation and reputation. As a qualified registered saddle fitter, horse owner and rider for over 30 years Kevin has a great understanding of the requirements of both horse and rider.

All riders from beginners to advanced, from all different disciplines, fits and budgets can be catered for. A custom templating service is also available, at no extra cost, to ensure the best possible fit for you and your horse.

Your existing saddles can be checked and will be re-fitted wherever possible. If the saddle cannot be adjusted sufficiently to make it fit then Kevin will explain what the issues are and offer you alternatives to consider.

Kevin specialises in dealing with difficult horse shapes and remedial saddle balancing and adjustments. Not one horse or rider is the same so every saddle fitting is an individual process that takes time to bring the right combination together.

The whole saddle fitting process takes up to 2 hours and includes:

• Establishing details about the rider and his/her saddle requirements.
• A full physical assessment of the horse including checking his/her movement. This will include a walk and trot up in hand and a flexion test.
• The horse's confirmation will also be checked to establish any anomalies - splints and other swellings or scars, whether the horse's feet are even and balanced, whether the horse's shoulders are equal, etc.
• Understanding the horse's current level of fitness and whether this is likely to change due to changes in work routine, etc.
• Discussing any issues you are experiencing when riding in your current saddle eg saddle slipping to one side.
• Examination of the saddle area on the horse's back to establish if there is any soreness, tension, etc.
• Measuring the horse's shape and preparing 3 templates showing the wither area, lumbar area and true drop.
• A selection of saddles will be fitted to the horse to eliminate those models that fit least well.
• You will be asked to exercise the horse in one or more of the remaining saddles at a walk, trot and canter. If the saddle is a Jump/Event model you will also be asked to jump a couple of jumps.
• Wherever possible this exercise should be without the use of a numnah so that the impression of the saddle on the horse's hair can be checked afterwards for movement, uneven pressure, etc.

The information from the saddle fit is recorded and you will be provided with a copy of this.

A Correctly Fitting Saddle

Your horse's welfare is paramount. An ill-fitting saddle is the most common cause of back problems and if left unchecked can lead to behavioural problems in your horse. This in turn jeopardises your safety.

Please be aware that all horses change shape throughout their life. This can be due to age, change in feed or work routine or seasonal changes due to quality of grazing, etc. A saddle that fits perfectly today may need to be adjusted in a few weeks time if your horse's shape has changed.

• The size of the saddle must be suitable for both the horse and rider. Whilst most combinations of horse and rider can be accommodated there are some situations where it is impossible to find a saddle big enough for the rider but small enough to fit the horse. Where this is the situation we will always tell you.
• The saddle must always clear the horse's spine throughout the whole saddle area.
• It must be balanced so that the rider can sit comfortably in the deepest part of the seat.
• The horse's shoulder must be able to move freely both forwards and backwards - the horse cannot perform to the best of its ability if the saddle restricts movement. The movement of the shoulder can cause the saddle to tip to one side if there is insufficient clearance for the horse's movement.
• The weight bearing area of the saddle should be as large as possible to spread the effect of the rider's weight evenly on the horse's back to minimise pressure points.
• There should be minimal movement of the saddle when the horse is being ridden. Whilst a small amount of movement is acceptable any excessive rocking, leaning to one side, etc will be unsafe for the rider.
• The saddle should remain in place after girthing. If the girth pulls the saddle forward or allows it to slip back then the saddle fit should be checked. Tightening the girth excessively is unlikely to solve the problem and will cause extreme discomfort for the horse.

Your new saddle should be checked within the first 6-12 weeks as the flocking will settle as it moulds to the shape of your horse. Once this settling has occurred it will need additional flocking added to keep the saddle in balance.

After that you should have your saddle checked every 6 months for fit and condition. Your horse changes shape throughout the year and minor alterations can be carried out on-site to ensure your horse stays comfortable. Horses that are managed consistently are far less likely to change shape substantially whereas young horses and those brought in for the hunting season may change muscle tone and condition - if so, it's vital these are checked more often.

Every 3-4 years the flocking should be completely removed and replaced. This is because over time the saddle will absorb moisture such as sweat from your horse and this affects the cushioning effect of flocking.

Areas covered for saddle checks and saddle fittings: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire,Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire.