Your saddle fitting journey starts here
Saddle fit assessment
The saddle assessment includes checking the fit of the saddle for horse and rider. Feedback will be provided after the assessment.
This takes around an hour and includes a ridden assessment.
Cost: AED 450
Saddle flocking & adjusting
If your saddle requires minor adjustment that can be done immediately on site, we are happy to do this for you.
In some cases the saddle will need to be taken to our workshop.
Cost: from AED 100
Stübben saddle trial
During a Stübben saddle trial, you will have the opportunity to try a variety of saddles according to your needs.
Custom orders include a variety of design options.
Cost: AED 500
EQUIscan
We recommend EQUIscan horseback topography to accurately assess the fit of the saddle and for precise flocking.
Track changes in your horse’s back over time.
Cost: AED 750
Saddle fitting goals
The ultimate goal of saddle fitting is to ensure the saddle is the correct fit for both the horse and rider. Balancing the saddle on the horse’s back to evenly distribute the rider’s weight for freedom of movement for the horse, and for the rider to sit in an effortlessl and balanced seat.
Whether you want to check the fit of your current saddle, check a second-hand saddle before purchase, or purchase a new saddle, we are here to support you and your horse throughout your saddle journey.
Horses change over time, therefore it’s important to regularly check the fit of your saddle to ensure their comfort and to maintain and improve performance.
Poorly fitted tack leads to discomfort, discomfort leads to poor performance.
When to check your saddle
With young horses, it’s necessary to check the saddle at least twice a year. Growing horses need space for muscle to develop, badly fitting saddle restrict muscle development often leading to imbalance, muscle atrophy, and behavioral issues as a result of discomfort.
Changes in behavior often indicate discomfort. While a badly fitting saddle is not always the cause, it should be ruled out. These changes range from the horse’s general mood to more severe and even dangerous behaviors.
- protesting during saddling (ears pinned back, biting, stomping the feet)
- inability to relax during riding
- inability to work equally on both sides
- unwillingness to move forward or sudden bolting
- stopping at jumps
- bucking or rearing
If the horse has a period of rest, for whatever reason, their bodies will change and they will likely loose muscle.
Saddles age over time, foam and flocking settles and can harden as the saddle ages. Heat and moisture can also affect the integrity of the panels. Saddles that have spent some time in storage should be checked before use. Saddle racks can damage or cause panels to become dented.
If the rider is not balanced and feeling secure, is leaning to one side, has one stirrup longer than the other, leans forward during riding, or is sitting in a chair seat, its time for an assessment.
First Step
Contact us to schedule your fitting and to get the process started. Feel free to reach out even if its just for a chat. We are always happy to assist.
The more information we have from the start the better prepared we’ll be to cater to your individual needs.
Some of the questions your fitter will ask:
- Information about the horse (anatomy, breed, age, workload, history, general condition and maintenance).
- Your general anatomy, height, weight.
- Your goals (leisure or competition).
- Are you checking the fit of your current saddle? If so, what are your concerns.
- Are you looking to purchase a new saddle?
The assessment and fitting will include a ridden assessment.
We recommend EQUIscan horseback topography as part of the process to accurately help us determine the fit of the saddle, and also when making flocking adjustments.
This also allows you to track changes in the horse’s back over time. Especially useful for competition horses, young horses, horses in intensive training, horses in rehabilitation.
Saddle Trials
Identifying the saddle that brings the rider and horse into balance sets the precedent to discuss the fitting process. We have an assortment of saddles, with different variations, that will be used as a guide during the fitting process. Our agenda is not to persuade you into purchasing a saddle from our samples, but to find the right saddle for you and your horse.
During the process, feel free to ask as many questions as you like. In fact, we encourage our cleints to educate themselves on the importance of saddle fit, and are happy to take the time to teach you to recognise any possible red flags before they cause an issue.
We always recommend that the rider be present to ride the horse during the fitting. During movement can we further evaluate correct saddle fit for horse and rider.
During the test ride your saddle fitter will conduct an analysis of the following:
- Is there sufficient wither clearance?
- Is there even distribution across the tree points.
- Is the weight distribution even along the panels?
- Is the girth in the correct position?
Focus on yourself during the test ride, your fitter will comment and ask for your feedback on the following:
- How do you feel?
- Are you sitting correctly and symetrically?
- Is your leg position correct?
- Do you feel balanced, comfortable and secure?
- Are you unrestricted?
Being able to try a variety of different saddles allows you to draw a comparison between the different styles and identify what is the most suitable for you.
CUSTOM SADDLE ORDERS
If you are looking to order a new Stubben saddle, at this point you and your saddle fitter have identified which saddle is right for you and your horse. Now it is up to you to personalise your saddle. With Stubben Custom there is no limit to your creativity. After down payment is received, your saddle will be scheduled for production. You will be informed about current delivery times before placing your order.
On delivery, your saddle will be fitted to you and your horse. The first follow-up visit will be scheduled after about 20 hours of ride time as the wool panels settle and conform to the horses back, and the leather softens. Your fitter will ensure that your saddle is still in balance, which often includes flocking adjustments. The initial fitting and first follow-up with all necessary adjustments is included in the purchase price of the saddle. Travel costs to other GCC countries outside the UAE is excluded.
In general it is also important to frequently assess the fit of your saddle. Your saddle fitter is happy to explain to you what you should look for and educate you on how to carry out your own assessment.
Saddle Fitting feauture video
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- At the start of the saddle fitting session, we will assess the horse for any pain or discomfort. Should we notice any issues your fitter will advise you immediately and determine how we should proceed. There is little point fitting a saddle to a horse who is in pain.
- Should the fitter decide not to go ahead with the fitting for any reason whatsoever, a call-out fee will still be charged.
Read our Saddle Fitting blogs Here
Book Saddle Fitting
Get in touch with EquiSOUQ to find out more and to book your saddle fitting appointment.