Update: She brought me my new Black Country Wexford saddle, and I love it!
Hey fellow Michigan Cother’s:
I recently became very interested in Black Country saddles since I have gone through several saddles with my horse that don’t fit. He has high withers, but bigger shoulders, so actually needs a MW saddle. I learned a lot about the Black Country saddles by reading a few of the threads on COTH and they seemed to have rave reviews. Since I am not aware of any other Black Country or Frank Baines saddle fitters in the Michigan area, I contacted one in Ohio. Her name is Amanda Berges, and she has already been up to fit my horse and did a very thorough job with all of the measurements and had many for me to try. I fell in love with the Black Country Wexford (an all-purpose), and had a custom one ordered for me and my horse. It is coming this week or next week, so she will be bringing it to me for a final fitting to make sure it is just right. She also flocks saddles, so will do that if it needs a little more flocking, etc.
My horse is at Hillside Farm in Manchester, MI, and no one else at my barn needs a saddle or re-flocking services. However, I thought that if someone at another barn nearby required her services, I would put the word out. She has a Facebook page: “Saddle Tree and Training Tree for Riders.” Her info is listed there, but feel free to e-mail me at psrickard@gmail.com if you want to coordinate something. I am crossing my fingers that she has the saddle this week, and can come this Saturday, but it may not be until next Saturday, October 3rd. -Pam
