Saddle Adjustments

 On-Site Saddle Reflocking

An on-site saddle re-flocking includes the components of an On-Site Assessment, but with the addition of altering your saddle’s flocking.  First we start by explaining how your saddle is constructed, and the main internal components, this will allow you to understand the influence of different aspects on your horse.  From here, we will go over saddle fit theory, and what we are looking for in a saddle’s fit to ensure that it fits well now, as well as in the future.

We will then go through your horse’s conformational needs, before going through our step by step fitting tutorial.  This is designed to outline the basics of saddle fit, so you can understand each component.  From here we will identify what areas of the panel need altering, in order to improve the saddle’s fit.

This involves adding or removing flocking so that the shape of the panel, properly follows the line of your horse’s back, and supports the horse wherever he doesn’t have soft tissue.

If possible, after the adjustment we will watch your ride in the saddle, to see the effect of the adjustment, and so you can feel the changes

Conversions to Wool

 

A conversion to wool involves the removal of a foam, CAIR, or FLAIR panel and replacing the panel’s contents entirely with wool.  This process must be done off-site, as the process takes several hours, and the panel must be removed from the saddle.

This will allow the panel to be adjusted to the shape of the horse, including any asymmetries.  Since all panels compress with use, this conversion also allows the panel to be maintained in the future, to keep contact with the horse’s back.  This is not possible with alternative types of panels.

If you are interested in having your saddle converted, we do recommend first booking a Saddle Assessment.  This will verify that there are no other fit concerns, that a conversion cannot correct.

Width Adjustments

A width adjustment involves altering the angle of the tree points, of the saddle.  This is an adjustment that we approach very cautiously, as there is potential for damage or strain to the tree.  We only do adjustments within one size of the current tree point setting, this is typically about five degrees.

We have also invested in a superior tree press, at over three times the price of what is commonly used, to help ensure that this is done properly and there is as little risk to the saddle as possible.  A width adjustment cannot be done on-site, as we must drop the panel of the saddle, and make sure it is done on a level surface.

We strongly urge anyone interested in a width adjustment, first book a Saddle Assessment, to ensure that this will produce the desired result.  There are many angles in the tree, and only one that can be adjusted, so if the problem is elsewhere a width adjustment may not be the right solution.  A Saddle Assessment will isolate where your issue lies, so that it can be properly corrected.

To book, please contact us.

*Prices subject to change, does not include potential travel fees.

Not Sure Where to Start?

 

 It’s hard to know how to fix something, if you don’t understand it.  If you are unsure about how your saddle is fitting, the best place to start is our On-Site Assessment.  The assessment includes an overview of saddle construction, saddle fit theory, a specific analysis of your horse’s conformational needs, and our step by step tutorial designed to allow you to understand every step of your saddle’s fit.  From here, you have all the information you need to make a decision for yourself, instead of just relying on someone else.

 

 

Saddle shopping can be overwhelming.  There are so many options, and even worse, so many opinions.  If you aren’t sure where to start, consider a Saddle Assessment.  This will explain the main elements of saddle fit and let you know exactly what aspects your horse needs.  If you have any saddles you’re curious about, we can assess them for you during your appointment.

If you’d like to see what we have available, you can look at our New Saddles to see what we have in stock, these saddles are all available for custom order and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and fit options.  You can also check out our Used Saddles for a great bargain.

 

Many modern saddles can be adjusted.  What is usually less understood, is what type of adjustments are possible and how they actually affect the fit of the saddle for your horse.  An On-Site Reflocking can adjust the wool panel to better suit your horse’s shape as well as maintain any natural compression.  A Width Adjustment addresses the angle of the tree points and is helpful if your saddle is too wide or too narrow.

If you think your saddle might need adjustment, but aren’t sure, a Saddle Assessment can tell you what saddle adjustments might work for you.

 

This of course, all depends on your horses.  However, certain saddle aspects are more readily adaptable to different horses, and sometimes we can make adjustments, so that it can be used on more than one horse. 

The best way to start is to book a Saddle Assessment and see how your saddle fits your different horses.

Saddles

Bliss of London Regency Jump Saddle

New Saddles

Since we do not work for any saddle manufacturers, we have the ability to pick and choose what we carry…

Black Country Eloquence Dressage Saddle

Used and Stock Saddles

Used saddles are a great option for those wanting an economical solution, or to bargain hunt…

Consignment Policies

Yes!  We do take saddles on consignment…

Saddle Care

Here are some tips for the care and maintenance of your saddle…

Saddle Fitting

Our Approach

Our approach to fitting varies greatly from other companies…

Saddle Trials

A saddle trial includes an explanation of saddle construction, saddle fit theory…

Saddle Assessments

An on-site assessment will walk you through the current fit of your saddle…

Saddle Adjustments

An on-site re-flocking includes an assessment, as well as altering your saddle’s flocking…

About Us

About Us

Katherine Penner Equine Services was founded in 2010…

Policies

Our policies around cancellations, warranties, and returns…

Educational Clinics

We offer educational fitting clinics for barns or groups…

Contact Us

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Contact Info

Based in Vancouver, BC

(604) 721 6345

info@equinebalancesaddles.com

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