elio… that’s who our barn uses as well. Just had him out Saturday morning to look at everybody. That is also who I suggested above. 
FYI, Robin Hosler told me he was in Kentucky and moving there permanently. Bummer.
In the mean time, I’ve used Tracie Montgomery of Custom Saddlery as she will work on used ones not by her company. She is a fitter, does a lovely reflocking job - on site which is a bonus, and can adjust saddles that are adjustable. Would have to send off a saddler for more complicated work.
[QUOTE=onetempies;4036514]
elio… that’s who our barn uses as well. Just had him out Saturday morning to look at everybody. That is also who I suggested above. :)[/QUOTE]
Just found out that he has taught most of the people on this thread. Som ehave done better than others but that is none of his fault for the latter. Glad you use him too!
To those of you that have used Renna, could you please give more info on the flocking used? I understand it is not wool. Can you provide feedback on how you have liked it and the degree of work you had done by him?
I am just curious as a friend had work done by him and it was extensive. She was very happy. He created more shoulder room on her saddle but also reflocked it all with a horse hair (I believe) type of product. I guess it is new and is used heavily in the Netherlands? Anyway, more info if you can. Thanks
Also, I would caution anyone using a newer more inexperienced saddler in our area. I saw some saddles “fitted” that were getting redone and it was very clear the the concept of fitting the saddle was by putting in more and more wool. I was in shock. Go with your instincts on what you “feel” is right for your horse. I’ve found that not doing that is expensive in more ways than one 
Saddle Fitter in MI
I worked with two other saddle fitters before finding Robin. He was worth every penny. He came to Northern IN to work with my horse. He adjusted two Passier saddles to fit my thoroughbred. My horse was difficult to fit. We have have had a year and half of pain free riding. Robin was friendly and took his time explaining everything to me. I learned much.
Robin Hosler
Flushing MI
810 610-8232
Saddle Fitter in Northern Michigan
Does anyone know anything about a saddle fitter named Cyndi Parks? Her name was given to me, but I know nothing about her.
This thread has been enlightening. I didn’t know there were ANY saddle fitters in Michigan! I wish I’d known that years sooner. Just shows what a sheltered life we live up here in nw lower penninsula.
Luanne Reaume is excellent - trained by Schleese. Her number is 517-902-6550. She is a little hard to reach since she only does this part time, but is well worth the effort!
[QUOTE=ironbessflint;3442114]
http://www.greatlakessaddler.com/ Tracie is a Custom Saddlery rep, but like the above, works on all saddles.[/QUOTE]
I too would say try Tracie, she knows what she is talking about and she is very good. Here is the best part about it she also rides Dressage so she understands what saddle should look and feel like when it’s fitted to the horse.
Thank you for your responses. Apparently, no one knows about this Cyndi Parks. She seems to be fairly new to saddle fitting, so I may try one of the others who have been suggested.
Or, what about Lynnda of Classic Saddlery? My saddle is a Rembrandt which she should be familiar with. Sadly, it doesn’t have an adjustable tree, but I love it.
saddle fitters
I just wanted to put in my 2 cents in here. Remember when you are working with a fitter that your horse can change dramatically in a relatively short time. It depends on how often you ride and what shape (muscle wise) your horse is. My horse changed more this winter because I didn’t get a chance to ride–the saddle I had made for her doesn’t fit right now and I am the saddle fitter! She lost a lot of topline and we are working to get it back-in the meantime, I am using a previous saddle that worked a couple years ago. It really is all about the horse and those of us that choose to be saddle fitters always are trying to get the best fit for horse and rider. The angle of the rails of the tree is, in my opinion, one of the most important aspects. Just be aware that there are many factors that go into fitting a saddle-and the horse can change. If you could see the number of different sizes of jeans I have in my closet! Not that I am comparing jeans to saddles, but you get the idea. The saddles I find to be the best quality are the Borne’ saddles and yes I do rep for them. I am located in Northern Michigan. I am Cyndi Parks and I would be happy to help in any way I can with your saddle fit-the Borne’ saddle company has only been around for about 10 years. The saddles are made from start to finish by Certified Master Saddler, Andy Sankey. You will find him listed as such.
Thanks for posting, Cyndi.
Robin moved to Nashville. He still comes up to Michigan frequently. I would say DEFINITELY use Robin. He is incredibly knowledgable, willing to explain everything, has YEARS of experience, and is familiar with / has worked on numerous brands.
I’ve found that many other saddlers can only restuff and are quick to go the route of using shims, correction pads, etc. And if that doesn’t work, they are happy to sell you their brand of saddle…
Robin was able to take my saddle apart and narrow the tree.
Here is his contact info:
or
Thanks for the information, Event Horse.
Bad saddle fitter.
Pam Omar fitted my Canadian Warmbloods saddle a few weeks prior to a show and not only improperly fitted the saddle but it made my horse very sore in the back . Needless to say my time spent before the show was spent getting him adjusted, massages and fitting the saddle again with another fitter. My advise- don’t use her.
Tracie Montgomery of Custom Saddlery will be at the Dressage by the Bay shows in Traverse City as a vendor so she can evaluate your saddles if you are showing at that time.
www.dressagebythebay.com for info.
Robin Hosler adjusted my saddle two years ago when he was on a visit to Michigan. I was very happy with the job he did, but it needs more adjustment now, and I haven’t been able to get ahold of him.
Does anyone know if he’s still doing saddle fitting in Michigan? I live near Traverse City and need someone who can come to the barn, preferably.
Karen
I am looking for a saddle fitter in Michigan and wondered if anyone had any updated information on saddle fitters they have used recently?
[QUOTE=kkmrad94;8331827]
I am looking for a saddle fitter in Michigan and wondered if anyone had any updated information on saddle fitters they have used recently? :)[/QUOTE]
Alexa Frye is awesome - she works with Schleese, but will assess any type of saddle fit. you can reach her at alexa@schleese.com.
This was just posted in the eventing section:
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
(and since she’s talking about me I’ll be immodest and repost it!)
I do some travel to Michigan as well, typically for new saddles, as I am the only person who carries Bliss in the Midwest. If you someone needs something, you can always email me at amanda@indyequestrian.com.
