Saddle fitter recommendation for central VA

[Legallygray86]

Any recommendations for an independent fitter who will come to Richmond, VA area? I am working on trying to get an appt with someone who has come recommended but is a little far away, and scheduling and communication are an issue. In case it doesn’t work out, I’m curious if there are any other folks people have worked with who might be closer/easier to get scheduled.

I did check out this link of a previous request https://forum.chronofhorse.com/t/saddle-fitters-in-central-va/469868 and would love to know if anyone who has worked with the folks recommended here can speak to if they’re booked solid for months or easy to get an appt with.

Trying to bring a horse back into work after some time off, since November, and now that she’s muscled up more my saddle is an issue. I def cannot invest in a new custom-fitted saddle, and used French saddles are also out of my budget. I currently have a lovely foam-paneled French saddle that I have really liked but obviously it cannot be adjusted in any way, so in general I’d like to avoid foam paneling for the next one. Since I’ll be shooting in the dark a bit to bring in some used saddles to try and find something that’s adjustable, I anticipate needing to have multiple visits from this fitter, so someone who can make it to me more often than once every two months would be awesome.

Thanks!

[sheltona01]

Jolie Smith proimos. She is good and that is who I am referring to my old clients. She also knows the hunter jumper world well.

[Moneypitt]

Actually, you can have the foam flocked panels on a French saddle ‘adjusted’. To a certain degree. It’s not inexpensive and needs to be done by someone very experienced repairing, adjusting, working with French saddles.

I had some of the front foam flocking shaved down think from 20mm to 10mm and about 20mm added to the back section under the cantle area. To better fit a moderate withered, wide bodied, big shoulder, teenaged Warmblood. Think it was around $300 then. I imagine that would be around $500 now. The panels need to be removed; so it’s definitely a process.

It was definitely worth the investment. You might have to ship your saddle out; if no one local to you can perform that type of work.

Good luck!!

[Legallygray86]

Ohhh that’s really good to know! Certainly cheaper than a new (used) saddle, if it were possible. I had no idea that could be a potential option. Thanks for sharing.

And thanks @sheltona01 for the rec as well, much appreciated.

[McGurk]

Kathy Taylor is the County Saddle rep for Virginia, and she will fit saddles other than Countys, and can adjust flocking on the spot for saddles with wool flocking and flocking ports.

I have had really good experiences working with her.

https://www.facebook.com/countysaddleryva/