Saddler vs Saddle Fitter: what’s the difference and what should you expect?

A Horse Owner's Guide to professional saddlery services

MASTER saddler Jocelyn Danby of Danby Equestrian is writing for The Equine Times this month, explaining the difference between saddlers and saddle fitters. Jocelyn is an SMS registered Master Saddler, Master Saddle Fitter, Qualified Bridle Fitter, BHSAI ISM and a lecturer and assessor in saddlery and saddlery fitting.

Master saddler Jocelyn Danby of Danby Equestrian with her award-winning stalking saddle.

Let’s be honest - if you’re new to the world of horses, the terms ‘saddler’ and ‘saddlery fitter’ can be a bit confusing. You might hear people using them as if they mean the same thing, but they don’t.

Getting the right person for the job is important for your horse’s comfort and safety, and for your own peace of mind. So, let’s break it down together.

What does a saddler do?

A saddler is basically a leatherwork wizard. Their main role is making, fixing, and maintaining saddles, bridles, and other tack. They’ve spent years perfecting skills like stitching, shaping leather and understanding the ins and outs of saddle construction.

If you want a custom saddle or need repairs done right, this is who you call.

• Skills: Leatherworking, stitching, saddle and bridle construction and repairs.

• Training: Saddlers usually go through apprenticeships or specialised courses - think City & Guilds qualifications.

• Qualifications: Many are certified and belong to the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) where their qualifications are listed.

• Typical work: Making or restoring saddles and tack, replacing worn-out parts and bringing old favourites back to life.

What about a saddlery fitter?

A saddlery fitter is your go-to for making sure your saddle and/or bridle actually fits your horse and you as a rider. They aren’t always leatherworkers, but they’re experts in the shape and movement of horses and riders, saddle brands and how a saddle and bridle should fit and work for real.

Their job is all about comfort, safety and performance.

• Skills: Assessing horses and riders, checking saddle fit and understanding biomechanics.

• Training: Saddle fitters take part in accredited courses run by the Society of Master Saddlers.

• Qualifications: Good fitters are officially recognised and attend regular training refreshers – look for up-to-date training and memberships at The Society of Master Saddlers at https://www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

• Typical work: Saddle fitting appointments, advice on saddle types and keeping an eye on how your saddle is working over time.

There are some people who are trained and qualified in both aspects, and these people can fulfil both roles.

How do you make sure someone’s qualified?

Before you let anyone near your horse, check their credentials. Unlike with farriers, there is no law about saddlery or saddle fitting qualifications – and there are some poorly trained or untrained people out there.

Ask if they belong to the SMS and don’t be shy about asking for proof of training. Most reputable saddlers and fitters will be happy to show off their certificates or point you towards references.

A trustworthy pro will be open about their experience and insurance, so you know you’re in good hands. Check the register at https://www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

What should you expect from a saddle fitter?

First off, don’t expect them to arrive with a van full of the ‘perfect’ saddle for you and your horse – it’s just not realistic.

There are hundreds of saddle types, sizes, and styles and it’s impossible to stock them all. Be upfront about your budget, and remember: if money’s tight, things like colour should be low on your priority list.

When you’re buying second-hand, be extra cautious. Saddles sold online can be a gamble: flocking might be uneven or hard and there’s no telling if the tree is sound without a proper inspection.

A responsible saddle fitter won’t guarantee the safety of a saddle until it’s been thoroughly checked and that means a trip to the workshop for panel removal, tree inspection and possible repairs.

Why you need to ride at your fitting

Here’s the golden rule: you need to ride your horse with the saddle during the fitting. Fitters who skip this step aren’t really fitting – they’re just selling.

The only way to know for sure how a saddle works is to see it in action, with you on board.

It’s generally not wise to have someone else ride your horse for the fitting, either. Everyone sits differently, and things like height, weight, balance and riding style can all affect the fit. If you’re not in the saddle, your fitter can’t guarantee it’ll work for you.

There are exceptions, of course. If your horse is young or just coming back into work after a break an initial unridden check can make sure the saddle is broadly suitable to get started.

But a good fitter will always suggest a follow-up as soon as your horse is in ridden work.

What happens at a saddle fitting?

A proper fitting is pretty thorough. Here’s what you should expect:

• Horse assessment: The fitter will check your horse’s shape, conformation (like withers, back length, rib shape, girth groove, and muscle tone) and watch them move in-hand. Saddle fitters use templates taken at every visit to record the horse’s back and track changes over time.

• Saddle check: Any saddle under consideration gets a full safety and condition check – flocking or panel filling, stitching, girth webs, billets and overall structure.

• Initial fit on the horse: The saddle goes directly on your horse’s back, no numnah or pad at first. The fitter checks the tree shape, width, point angles, side rails, twist and length. They make sure pressure is spread evenly through the accepted weight bearing area, with proper clearance for the withers and spine and that everything balances correctly.

• Ridden assessment: If the initial fit looks good, the saddle is girthed up with a cloth or numnah and you get on and ride. The fitter will watch you work through the paces and might ask for certain movements to see how the saddle performs with you in it. They’ll assess whether it fits you as well as your horse and listen to your feedback as well.

Adjustments and follow-up

If only small tweaks are needed, your fitter might be able to sort them out on the spot – so you can get back on and feel the difference right away.

For bigger jobs like a full reflock or tree inspection, the saddle might have to go off to the workshop. If your fitter is also a saddler, they can handle repairs and alterations themselves; otherwise they’ll work closely with a saddler and arrange for a follow-up fitting once everything’s done.

Never skip the final check – it's what confirms the saddle works, the flocking is balanced and the girthing suits both you and your horse. Sending a saddle back by courier without a follow-up is a recipe for frustration.

Quick recap

• Saddler: Crafts, repairs and maintains saddles and tack.

• Saddlery Fitter: Specialises in getting the fit right for horse and rider.

• Qualifications: Always double-check credentials and experience.

• Fitting: Expect a detailed process, ridden assessment and honest advice –

never a rushed sale.

• Follow-ups: They matter. Saddles need checking after adjustments and as your horse or your needs change. Six monthly checks are usually advised, but more often may be required, especially after a new saddle has been purchased or if the horse is young or changing shape quickly.

At the end of the day, having the right professional on your team and giving saddle fitting the attention it deserves makes all the difference.

Your horse will thank you with comfort and performance and you’ll feel more confident every time you ride.

Danby Equestrian can be contacted at https://www.danbyequestrian.co.uk