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SADDLE SHOPPING WITH SANDRIDGE Back to Saddle Department / Retour à la Section des Selles In an ideal world, whatever saddle a rider chose would be perfect for his needs - it would have an appealing style; it would put the rider in a correctly-balanced position with an optimum level of support; close contact between horse and rider would be maintained, and the horse would have total freedom of movement due to a lack of restriction from the saddle. Horse and rider would work toward their goals in perfect comfort and balance. In reality, the above 'ideals' can be more difficult to achieve. A number of riders and trainers have enough experience to select saddles themselves, but more often, a rider is 'satisfied' through a combination of ignorance, low performance expectations, and an uncomplaining mount! At Sandridge, we will make every effort to help you find your ideal saddle. Saddle shopping can be expensive, time-consuming, and, at times, very frustrating - but the benefits of a correctly-fitting saddle will be appreciated for many years to come. A new saddle purchase may involve some, or all, of the following steps: 1) Appointment While you are welcome to browse through the roughly 200 new saddles in the showroom at any time, and our sales staff are more than capable of helping you select saddles to try; for the best possible advice, we suggest you make an appointment with our saddle specialist, Vicky Chalmers, who is familiar with the fit and attributes of all our saddles. 2) Meeting (s) Vicky will meet with you at the shop to discuss your needs, as well as see you sit in different saddles and make suggestions. The colours and options available on the different models will also be explained. If there is a saddle or saddles of interest, they may be taken out on trial. We have protective covers for the stirrup leathers, allowing you to use them so you are able to have a lesson, go on a hack, or whatever is required to feel confident the saddle is the right one. A second meeting may take place to review how the saddles did or did not work out. 3) In-Stable Consultation* Vicky can bring a number of saddles to your stable to try on the horse. She will assess the horse and the way the saddles fit, and watch you ride if necessary. For those who don't have access to someone experienced with saddle fit, this is the best way to prevent future problems and ensure the horse will be comfortable. * There is a fee for this service
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