Maryland Saddle Fitter Recommendations!

[purpleeventer]

I’m looking for someone else to reach out to that could come out very soon-preferably someone who has worked with symmetry issues. My horse is in need of a saddle fitting again and my normal fitter isnt getting back to me.

My horse has asymmetrical shoulders (left is larger) and my saddle fitter knows but she hasnt seen it really be a problem(at least yet). I’ve noticed I’m now sitting twisted so my right side is more forward than my left, and same with my saddle (horse’s left shoulder is pushing saddle to the right).

I’m not looking for a custom saddle fitter/ someone who is going to tell me to buy expensive half pads, etc. as I do not have the money for that I’m located in Maryland so I need someone close!

[gottagrey]

I was going to recommend Wendy Harrison/Harrison Saddle Fit. I’ve been very happy with her. She is cognizant of people having budgetary restraints, and is not one to toss out the need for a new custom saddle or anything like that. She does book up quickly.

[Libby2563]

Katie Shapiro was recommended to me by Suzy Coffey when she retired. She’s very reasonably priced but can have long waits since it’s not her full-time job.

This thread might be helpful: https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/hunter-jumper/10054502-saddle-fitter-recommendations-md

[SonnysMom]

I love Tara Miliziano of Forward Motion Equine. She is an independent saddle fitter. She is also a certified human and equine massage therapist. I think that really helps her with fitting saddles. This is the last shimmable half pad she recommended I buy. $56. She did have me use felt inserts rather than the crappy memory foam ones that come with it.
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/equine-comfort-cotton-correction-4-pocket-half-pad-with-memory-foam-inserts-11075?utm_source=cpc&utm_medium=google&utm_content=nb_shopping_tack_dsk_3p&utm_campaign=&utm_term=2109776034&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlo_kw4GV6AIVD7bICh3qwgWbEAQYAyABEgIJVfD_BwE

She is very willing to try to work with the saddle you already own. She can also bring a variety of new and used saddles to try if your saddle absolutely will not work.

I am currently working with her to get a newer dressage saddle. I bought a used one just over a year ago. Carson has now moved from a medium tree to a MW tree. We discussed widening the tree but the shape no longer fits front to back so widening it won’t work. But she checked my jump saddle and was happy with that fit. No adjustments or new saddle needed. When I originally bought that dressage saddle I had a few on trial from a tack store and she brought a few. We found the perfect one from the tack store and never tried any of hers.

She also works with a few saddle makers for custom saddles. Frank Baines is a nice mid level option. I have gotten 2 Patrick Saddles through her in the past for another horse whose only option was fully custom. Patrick is a higher level option.

I am pretty sure that even though she in in PA she would go to MD.

[twostinkydogs]

I’ve had good experiences with Katie Shapiro as well. She was very thorough and answered several follow up questions. She is extremely reasonable and completely independent so no pressure of any kind. You can find her on Facebook. I’ve also used Annette Gavin with Hastilow Saddles. Annette is very knowledgeable. She will point you to the saddle brands that Hastilow represents but I never felt pressured.