Independent saddle fitters with large sale inventory? (Mid-Atlantic)

[Redlei44]

I have collected several names of independent saddle fitters from previous threads. Much appreciated, and I’ll be in touch with them, but I’m curious if there are any in particular who service the NoVa area regularly who also travel with a fairly large inventory of used saddles for sale? Is this a thing? Or do I really need to muddle though finding a mostly suitable saddle myself first?

I have French taste on a non-French budget and I’ve been striking out big time trying a find one or two new-to-me saddles that suit. Really trying not to spend a million (more) dollars on trial shipping fees at this point.

[Libby2563]

I am interested to see replies too. I bought from a fitter like that once in Maryland but it was 25+ years ago at this point.

Sorry this doesn’t quite answer your question, but have you already checked out the inventory at Middleburg Tack Exchange? They have a lot of consignment saddles that you could try without having to ship. The Surrey in Maryland has a smaller selection but typically I see at least 20 saddles there. Obviously only a few or none might fit your criteria, but it could be worth a look. Or if you want to tell me what you’re looking for I could stop by the Surrey for you next week to scope out their selection.

[Janet]

In the same vein, Saddlery Liquidators (Haymarket) used to have a good selection of used saddles. I do not know if they still do.

[Gardenhorse]

I don’t know of any independent fitters in this area that travel with a lot of inventory. They may have a few on hand, but not a lot. I’ve generally had them tell me the brand/models they think will fit my horse and then I’ve looked online and gotten several shipped on trial for the fitter to then come give me their opinion on.

[Gardenhorse]

Maryland Saddlery also has a lot of used saddles, but I don’t know how convenient they are for you.

[Redlei44]

Thanks all. Too bad, was hoping that someone traveled with a good inventory. I have indeed been monitoring Middleburg Tack Exchange and Maryland Saddlery and have tried a few from them, but no dice yet.

[BAC]

They don’t have to be an independent fitter to carry a large used inventory. My CWD rep (yes I realize he is NOT a fitter) had a truckload of various high end brands with him and although I thought I was interested in CWD I ended up riding in a big assortment of saddles. There was no pressure to buy either, in fact I had him out twice before I decided to go ahead with a brand new saddle. You might be able to narrow down brands this way. In one visit I rode in many saddles and there was no charge.