Saddle fitters in Ontario

[c0608524]

I’m having a heck of a time trying to figure out how to fit my high-withered TB - looking for a mid-range saddle (budget about 3k, but flexible). Currently we’ve been using a stuben dressage saddle because we’ve been focussing on the flat so it is no big deal, but when he fills out a bit more I’d like to buy a close contact (I think?) that ideally fits like a glove.

My biggest issue is the fact I live about three hours away from the GTA in ontario. The closest tack shop is a greenhawk about an hour away, and they don’t have the quality of saddle I’m looking to buy. Although I’ve not personally called each and every shop/rep, a friend of mine was told they won’t travel this far.

I really don’t want to play the guessing game of fitting a saddle by buying, trialing, shipping back, rinse and repeat. I can confidently say I have a terrible eye for saddle fit. Is my best bet putting my horse in a trailer and taking him up for a weekend of saddle shopping so I can get a professionals opinion, or am I crazy even thinking of doing that?

In addition, if anyone has any recommendations or experiences with buying a saddle in the area from reps/shops, I’d love to hear about it.

[brody]

Depends on if you are north west or east of GTA.

Big province, third largest in fact.

[c0608524]

Oops! Southwest actually

[pacific_jumper]

The running fox was excellent when I talked to them

[kashmere]

I’ve worked long distance (Nova Scotia) with Bahr Saddlery in Hornby, and would highly recommend them. Huge selection of used saddles, too. I’d definitely give them a call. They are also super prompt to respond to email as well.

[Small_Change]

Taylor Made Too does saddle fitting. They’re near London.

[GoodTimes]

I have felt your pain being 3hrs north of the GTA. Years ago we went through Bakers. We couldn’t get anyone to come to us, but they asked us to take pictures from several angles of the horses back, then we went down picked up 4 or 5 saddles to try on him and ride in. We took pictures of the saddles sitting on the horse and along with our coach and Bakers picked one that seemed to work the best. Definitely not the best option, but when you live in no mans land it may be the only option. You could probably bring your horse to a fitter or a rep, but unless they’re going to let you take the saddle on trial to ride in it may not be worth it.

Is there anyone else in your area (your barn, neighbouring barns, etc) that might also be looking. I just recently had CWD and Antares reps drive a few hours to me in Alberta since there was a second person at the barn shopping as well.

[brody]

Bahr is my first west thought. If they can’t help they likely know someone who can on that side.

[c0608524]

I’ve chatted with Carmen from Bakers before - he told me that we could figure something out with pictures and a video of me riding if possible. This is likely the route I’ll end up taking.

I may have to put a facebook message out to some local horse people and see if they’re looking as well. Everyone at my barn rides dressage or western and all seem to have mid-range to high end saddles already, so I am out of luck there.

[Silver_Silence]

I’ve fit two with Carmen through just photos and both fit incredibly well. Ended up with a Prestige Red Fox for my impossible to fit mutton withered large pony. And a Philippe Fontaine for my fairly high withered QH. The Prestige was checked by a saddle fitter once at the farm, and re stuffed. The Philippe Fontaine had no adjustments at all and he is super happy in it.

[greywithchrome]

David Marion with Antares is great. He travels just about anywhere and has a lot of reasonably priced used saddles in stock.

[AutumnReign]

Joe and Michele from Canterbury outpost are both wonderful and will travel to you. They’ll fit any wool saddle that is appropriate for your horse and are very reasonably priced. Excellent customer service.
Nathan at sprucewood tack in tavistock is a certified fitter and works closely with prestige. They have lots of used saddles too.
Where abouts are you?

[DarkBayUnicorn]

I second the motion on Dave Marion at Antares. He listened to my description of my mare’s quirks, looked at her, looked at me. Thought for a bit and plucked out the perfect used saddle on the first attempt. He also likes to watch you ride and jump in a saddle before he is satisfied.

You may also want to contact Sheri Wentworth-Denouden for your price point. She does a roaring trade in higher-end used saddles and is very knowledgeable.

If you want to try CWD, ask for Ray Butterfield.

I can’t remember the name of our local Butet rep, but he is lovely as well.

If there are two or three of you in your area that want to meet with these saddlers, they will likely come to you. If not, consider booking a weekend stall at a decent facility with a good arena, shipping down and making appointments with them at that location.

I don’t think pictures will suffice. A good saddler wants to feel the animal’s musculature and watch both you and the horse work in a variety of saddles before they’re confident in the match and fit.

[FalseImpression]

the trouble is if you go with a saddle brand rep, you are more or less stuck with their brand… it is not always the best.

[partlycloudy]

I’ve had great experiences with Elizabeth at Bahrs.

[Sport]

I will third David from Antares. He is wonderful to work with and we are 2 hours north of the GTA and he has had no issue coming to the barn, even for one horse.
I also have a TB with high withers and he was able to fit us into a wonderful saddle.
I also don’t feel that he is just trying to make a sale. He really cares about how the saddle fits both the horse and rider.

[Come_Shine]

Fourth for David.

[gumshoe]

[QUOTE=FalseImpression;8493955]
the trouble is if you go with a saddle brand rep, you are more or less stuck with their brand… it is not always the best.[/QUOTE]

Not necessarily. Many people trade in other brands to get a new Antares. So he may have several other brands used.

[DarkBayUnicorn]

^^ what gumshoe said

[c0608524]

Does anyone have Dave’s contact info? I’m looking online but am having some trouble finding it.

Thanks!