A home consultation visit from an Approved SMART Saddles Advisor is the preferred method for checking saddle fit and balance for both the horse and the rider as they will quickly be able to see and feel where even a slight adjustment can be made to optimise saddle fit.
Where this is not possible, Smart Saddles are happy to offer remote fitting advice by phone or email to help you get the best from your SMART saddle. When contacting the office or your SMART™ Advisor, please be ready to provide the following details to enable us to give you as accurate fitting advice as possible.
1. List the Saddle model and accessories used to fit your SMART™ saddle:
2. Give details of the horse(s)
3. Give detail of the rider(s)
Check the fit as per our fitting guideline
If you have had a fitting previously, please let us know the name of your Advisor or order reference so we can check any notes. It is useful if you can provide photographs or video to show the conformation, fitting and ridden pictures taken in one session for continuity.
Tips:
Have someone hold the horse to keep the head and neck straight while you take the photo if possible.
Stand the horse up squarely for the photos of the near side, off side and back.
To take the photo looking straight down the horses back stand on steps or a mounting block placed directly behind the horse
Near side
Off side
Back
Highlight any specific ‘problem areas’ with regards to saddle fitting. High wither, flat wither, marks from current saddle or previous injury sites.
High wither
White marks
Girthing area
Rubs
White marks and rubs
Raised bumps
Saddle fitted
From the side including the girth area
Fit at the front
Fit at the rear
Show the rider size and ‘normal’ riding style/stirrup length etc.
Horse & rider standing
Riders natural position in the saddle
Ridden photo
There is always help and advice on hand - our Home Consultation Service is available for routine checks as well as help with fitting to different horses or riders. You can either contact your SMART Advisor directly or get in touch with Smart Saddles’ head office by phone: 01909 807870 or email: smart@smartsaddles.com and we will be happy to assist you.