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Saddle and Tack Fitting

For a horse to perform at their best and be a willing partner, they must feel happy, confident, and comfortable in their tack.

I take a holistic approach to saddle fitting, considering the horse, rider, management, and tack as essential parts of the equation.

Meet Lizelle

With over 27 years of hands-on experience in training and working with horses, I’ve dedicated my life to understanding their behavior, movement, and what truly makes them thrive. 

As a qualified Master Saddle Fitting Consultant, I combine expertise in equine welfare with advanced skills in saddle fitting, reflocking, and repairs. My mission is to help horses and riders to create a partnership built on harmony, trust, and confidence.

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What to expect during a fitting

I come to your stable or home to help ensure a perfect fit. This service is customized to address the unique requirements of both you and your horse. 

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1. Initial Assessment

We begin by observing your horse’s conformation, movement, and any specific areas of concern. We also take measurements and templates. This helps us identify the unique requirements for your horse’s saddle fit.

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2. Fit Evaluation

If you already have a saddle, we’ll assess its fit, checking for pressure points, balance, and overall comfort for your horse. I will also assess your position and balance in the saddle, as this plays a crucial role in how well the saddle fits both you and your horse.

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3. Saddle Trials

If you’re trying new saddles, we’ll test multiple options during the saddle trials. Each saddle will be carefully evaluated in motion to see how it affects your horse’s movement and comfort. 

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4. Conclusion & Recommendations

At the end of the fitting, you’ll receive personalized recommendations on saddle adjustments, new saddle options, or further fittings, depending on what’s needed.

Throughout the process, I’ll explain each step, ensuring you understand how saddle fit affects your horse’s comfort and performance. Together, we’ll find the best solution for you and your horse.

"A properly fitted saddle is like a handshake; it’s the first step in communication and trust between horse and rider."

– Linda Tellington-Jones

  • Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on saddles?
    For new saddles, warranties are provided through the manufacturers, and I’ll make sure you understand the coverage. For second-hand saddles, I ensure each one is carefully inspected for quality and fit before offering it for trial. However, second-hand saddles may not come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
  • What happens if we don’t find the right saddle during the first trial?
    If the saddles we trial don’t work perfectly, we will continue searching for the best options for your horse. My goal is to ensure your horse’s comfort and performance, so additional sessions are only recommended if absolutely necessary. I strive to find the right saddle as efficiently as possible, while ensuring it’s the best fit for both you and your horse.
  • What should I bring to my saddle fitting?
    If you have a current saddle, please bring it along. It’s also helpful to bring any tack you usually use, such as bridles, girths or saddle pads. I’ll also need to see your horse in motion, so riding attire is recommended for the trial session.
  • Can you adjust my current saddle?
    In many cases, adjustments like flocking changes, gullet adjustments, or shimming can improve the fit of your current saddle. During the fitting, I’ll carefully assess whether your saddle can be modified or if a new saddle might be a better solution for your horse. For specific brands, such as Erreplus, or adjustments that require specialized equipment like a saddle tree machine, I’ll refer you to a trusted partner or the regional brand representative to ensure the best results
  • How long does a saddle fitting take?
    The duration depends on the package you choose. The minimum time required is 1 hour, and more time will need to be scheduled when doing trails of multiple saddles.
  • What is the difference between flocking adjustments and shimming?
    Flocking adjustments involve adding or removing wool or synthetic material from the panels of the saddle to improve its fit. Shimming uses small padding inserts placed between the saddle and saddle pad to temporarily adjust the saddle’s balance. Both options can help improve fit, but the best method will depend on your horse’s needs and the saddle type.
  • Do you travel for fittings?
    Yes, I aim to serve the majority of the Garden Route area. I am based in Plettenberg Bay so I am more flexible closer to this area. However, we can arrange a fittings in your region, but will need to charge a travel fee. However when multiple horses are scheduled this can be divided amongst the group.
  • How often should I schedule a saddle fitting?
    I recommend scheduling a follow-up assessment after a few months with a new saddle or any time you notice behavioral or performance changes in your horse. Regular check-ups every 6 to 12 months help maintain optimal saddle fit as your horse's body changes.
  • Can I ride before the fitting?
    Please refrain from exercising your horse before our session. I need to understand the horses' behaviours during the fitting, and a horse that is tired will likely not move or communicate in the same way. Since we will be trailing saddles, your horses need to be dry. Please ensure they are not sweaty or wet (from a shower) for our session.
  • Do you allow saddle trials or returns after purchase?
    Whilst we don’t allow ‘free’ trials, and require all saddles to be purchased at a full amount before being delivered to buyers, we do allow a “10 day, cooling off period”for second hand saddles, where the saddle can be returned should it not work for the horse. During the ‘cooling’ period with a prospective buyer, it is covered by our policy. If it incurs damage during this period, the cost of repair will be deducted from the buyer's refund and reimbursed to you. If the saddle is deemed beyond repair, the buyer will be liable, and we will not accept the return. This ensures your payment is not affected. Our Policy During the Cooling-Off Period: Saddle Condition: The saddle must be returned in the same good condition it was sent. Damage Policy: Should the saddle incur any damage during this 10-day cooling-off period, the cost of repair will be deducted from the buyer's refund and passed on to you. Beyond Repair: If the saddle is deemed damaged beyond repair, the buyer will be held liable, and we will not accept the return. Your Payment Protected: This policy ensures that your payment for the saddle remains unaffected by any damage incurred during the buyer's cooling-off period.
  • How much are your commission fees?
    Our commission is simple and transparent. We charge a commission of a minimum R500 or 7%. Whichever is greater.
  • What types of saddles does Equine Symmetry NOT accept?
    To maintain our quality standards and focus, we generally do not accept: Western saddles or non-English riding saddles. Saddles over 18 inches in seat size. Saddles narrower than a medium width. Saddles with a broken tree, significant structural damage, or major repairs (beyond flocking/gullet issues mentioned above). Saddles with a consignment value of less than R5000 due to the associated administrative and marketing efforts. There are certain brands we do not take on due to our knowledge on their design, construction, materials and fit. We do this to ensure we can prioritise the horse’s welfare and offer expert assessment and marketing for every saddle we list. This is communicated when we provide a quote.
  • How do you determine your recommended prices?
    Our pricing reflects a realistic sales value based on current market conditions in South Africa and internationally, considering the saddle's brand, age, condition, and model. Our offers are designed to provide you with a fair return while ensuring your saddle sells efficiently.
  • How does saddle delivery work? Do I need to box my saddle up to send to you?
    Yes, you will need to securely box your saddle up. And we recommend you use our preferred courier (The Courier Guy) to safely ship it to us.
  • What if you deem my saddle faulty or in need of repair or work upon inspection?
    We conduct a thorough inspection upon arrival. If your saddle has issues with the stitching, adjustable gullet bar or its fastenings, or if the flocking needs updating or replacing, a fee will apply for the necessary repairs or reflocking, payable by you. We will quote you on these, but you can refer to our pricing page for costs of repair work: https://www.equinesymmetry.com/pricing Alternatively, we can arrange to return the saddle to you for a R400 courier fee. Our priority with the checks is to ensure the horse and rider's well-being. Any faults that will affect the safety and well-being of the horse or rider will require repair work or be rejected for sale from us. Some cosmetic faults can be ok, but will need to be reflected in the sell price. Checks that will be conducted upon delivery include: - Check the saddle tree - Check saddle stitching or any loose staples - Check billet leathers for stretches or holes - Check the stirrup bars are safe, and not too far bent out, or too tight - CHeck teh flocking and panels (Very hard or lumpy panels will need to be reflocked).
  • Do you have a minimum saddle value for consignment sales?
    Yes, for saddles sold on a commission basis, we have a minimum value of R5000. This helps us ensure that the time and resources invested in marketing and selling your saddle are worthwhile for both parties.
  • How does selling my saddle with Equine Symmetry work?
    It's simple! First, complete our online form with details and photos of your saddle. Our team will review it and provide you with a quote. If you accept, you'll box your saddle, and ship it to us. Upon arrival, we conduct a thorough inspection. Once approved, we list your saddle for sale.
  • Do I have to pay postage/courier costs?
    If your saddle is being sold on a commission basis, you will generally be responsible for the initial courier fee for sending the saddle to us. Specific details will be outlined in your quote.
  • When will I receive payment for my saddle?
    For commission sales, payment is transferred to your bank account via secure bank transfer approximately 30 days after the new buyer takes possession of the saddle and the ‘cooling off period’ (if applicable) has concluded.
  • How do I find a saddle that's right for me and my horse with Equine Symmetry?
    We offer a curated selection of quality pre-owned English riding saddles. You can browse our current inventory on our website. Each saddle listing provides detailed descriptions, specifications, and multiple photographs to help you make an informed decision. We will always recommend you work with a qualified saddle fitter to help you find the best fit for you and your horse. Our team is also available to answer any questions you may have about specific saddles.

Book a saddle fitting

Click below to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a better, more comfortable ride for you and your horse.

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