Saw your post in the HJ forum looking for a saddle fitter. Call Kate Ballard— really. She’s brand independent, and deals with several lovely companies (Erreplus, Patrick, and the list goes on)— all wool flocked. She’ll come to the barn with van full of samples, take tracings of your horse, and watch you and your horse go in everything she has in the van that’s suitable until you find something you both like. What you find can then either be ordered off the rack or entirely custom to meet your needs.
Kate is awesome, incredibly talented, and a stand-up person. She’s one of only four master saddles and qualified saddle fitters in the United States who holds both qualifications. She won’t push you toward a particular brand and will work with you until she finds a perfect solution. Based out of Northern Illinois, but travels to Wisconsin frequently. She’s in Wellington right now and returns in April, but her associate Eileen Fuller (also very capable) is still fitting saddles here. Plus, it’s nice to work with them as you’ll have someone informed to work with as your saddle needs flock up’s over the years to come.
Full disclosure: I work part time for the tack shop in St. Charles in which Kate is part owner, but I had her out to evaluate my horses saddle fit before I ever worked for her. I wouldn’t use anyone but Kate or Eileen. If you need a phone number, let me know. Good luck in your search!
