Can anyone recommend someone that visits the Columbus area? I can’t seem to find anyone. :-/ I’ve got two wool flocked saddles and a horse that’s changing shapes. I’d really like to get one or both of them to fit…and if they don’t/won’t, I’d like to figure out what will. Right now he’s telling me he’s not happy with what I’ve got. The only option I’ve found around here is through a local tack shop, but they don’t actually adjust flocking, just help figure out shims or pads that would work.
I’m interested in response to this as well, as I’m currently searching for a new saddle.
I’ve used CW Saddlery before – http://www.cwsaddlery.net/ – although I’ve not gotten a response to my latest emails/calls.
Heather Soones-Booner is great. I started using her a few years ago, and my whole barn followed suit. She’s based in the Pittsburgh area but comes to Columbus quite a bit. She has Society of Master Saddlers credentials and has a contract deal with Annette Gavin that gives her access to demo stock from a variety of good, British benchmade brands. That said, she will work on any brand of saddle; we (barnmates and I) have had her adjust flocking in 5-6 different brands over the years, including my Amerigo. She also helped my trainer find a way to make a Devoucoux work for an OTTB who was VERY out of shape, so it was not a practical time to buy him a new British saddle. I know for a fact that Heather sells at least 3 models of saddle that would have solved the problem, but IMO she did the right/practical thing by recommending a $200 padding solution since the horse was bound to grow and change. That said, I’ve watched her fit several riders to new saddles, and she’s very competent in that department too. Very professional, very competent, and a very nice lady. www.saddles101.com
Annette Gavin also comes out this way, but much less often than Heather. She is also wonderful, SMS certified, and trustworthy. I could write a rah-rah paragraph about her that’s just as enthusiastic as the one I wrote about Heather. Annette carries an unusually huge inventory of demo/used saddles, so if your budget is closer to $1500-$2500 instead of $3000+, Annette and Heather are a good bet. www.hastilowusa.com
I’ve tried to recommend clients to CW Saddlery, and nobody seems able to get their phone calls returned.
I don’t know if she’s still the Ohio rep for County, but Katie Gussenhoffen is one of the better-trained and more experienced County reps in the country. IMO she is trustworthy to adjust flocking or consult on shim pads. I had her adjust once for me in a pinch, and I felt she did a good job. But if you’re saddle shopping, the only brand she can sell you is County. If you’re buying a new saddle, Heather or Annette are a smarter phone call because they sell a wider inventory. 724-462-4209. Email: katguss@access995.com
We also have a Stubben rep, Alyssa Richards, who is based in Ashland. I’ve seen her advertising in a few Facebook groups, but she doesn’t leave her contact info. I have no experience with her and haven’t heard any feedback from others.
Thank you! That as extremely helpful and I’ll probably give Heather or Annette a call once the holidays are over. I actually contacted County and Natasha said they don’t currently have a rep in Ohio, but recommended Alisa Pitt in Pennsylvania. However, since I’ve got a County and a non-County, I’d really prefer an independent fitter so I can get an unbiased look at both. I LOVE my Stabilizer, but if it’s not going to work for my horse and another brand would, I’d like options.
Not sure if bob Schneider goes up to Columbus (I’m pretty sure but not 100%) great saddle fitter, will fit you’re saddle to your horse on site, if he can’t fix it he will tell you up crying vs doing whatever and taking your money. Very reasonable and super nice. 
Thank you jn4jenny!
I called County yesterday and got a similar response as Rickys – no County rep in Ohio… but I got a different same (Sara Ivey?) who goes to Indiana, Kentucky and Kansas. Called and left a message with no response yet so I might try Katie anyways.
Check out the refined equine on facebook, See if Karen is coming to your area. She is very good and fairly priced and does not want to sell you a saddle!
I know this is an older thread, but I know people often search old threads for just this sort of info and I wanted to throw my hat in the ring!
I’m a certified independent fitter newly relocated to just outside of Columbus, and often travel to various other parts of the state as well. Please have a look at my website!
