West Midlands saddle fitter

[GaryB]

Reviews of saddle fitters seem to be very confusing - for pretty much every saddle fitter I have checked out there are an equal number of reviews saying that the fitter is either God's gift to saddlery, or that he/she has nearly killed their horse. The one saddler I have found that seems to have mostly good reviews no longer does visits - you have to book onto one of his saddle fitting clinics which is a problem transport wise.

Anyway - I know that one or two of you are localish to me so if anybody has any personal experience I would be glad to hear it. The area is basically South Birmingham, and if it makes any difference its for a high withered horse that will probably change shape.

The ones I know of are
Rob Jenkins (only does clinics)
National saddle centre (don't know anything about this)
Jackie Robert
Townfield
Bromsgrove saddlery

Thanks

Gary

 

[juliecwuk]

Do you have a saddle you are wanting checked? Or are you wanting someone to supply a saddle?

We use an independent saddle fitter/checker called Norman Hyett (he used to be a member on here). He doesn't supply saddles - but that is why we were keen to use him, he assesses the saddle you have and will adjust it if it's feasible, if not he advises what saddle make would fit and lets you source one yourself -therefore doesn't pressure you into buying a saddle of him like other saddlers do.

 

[Kite_Rider]

I've heard great reports horsesense at Solihull as well. I'll ask at the yard who some of our liveries use too.

 

[GaryB]

Do you have a saddle you are wanting checked? Or are you wanting someone to supply a saddle?

I'm after somebody to supply one (but it will want checking regularly so that's useful to know)

I've heard great reports horsesense at Solihull as well. I'll ask at the yard who some of our liveries use too.

Thanks - I temporarily forgot about them!

 

[domane]

I've never used her but Jackie Roberts has a good reputation round here. Will you be buying a new saddle or second-hand? Lavinia Mitchell is also very popular....with her own saddles. Most makes are in Walsall so you are spoiled for choice really!!!

 

[GaryB]

I'd prefer a new one, but wouldn't dismiss the idea of second hand. I'd not heard of Lavinia Mitchell so that's another to add to the list thanks. I know Jackie quite well, I seem to be there at least once a month!

 

[Lissie]

I've heard Andy Wheals in Telford, Shropshire is good and he does travel. Silhouette Saddlery in Walsall make new at reasonable prices and will do made to measure if you want, both Mike and Martin are good fitters. One to avoid is Nicola Annable at Meynell Saddlery, she's far from you but does travel all over, I and many others have had very poor service from her.

 

[GaryB]

Thanks Lissie - all good information!

 

[domane]

I've had a Silhouette saddle in the past and it was gorgeous!

 

[Lissie]

I've had a Silhouette saddle in the past and it was gorgeous!

I've just had a Silhouette jumping saddle on my connie, love it! Fits pony well and comfy for me. Loved that you could choose what colour leather, stitching etc. They have a 5 year guarantee , and there was recently a post on the horse and hound forum recommending them too. Mike went out of his way to make sure it was made in time for a show after the awful experience I had the Meynell Saddlery, they sell Silhouette but do not use them! If you want more info message me.

 

[blazer]

I'm sure it is Rob Jenkins who comes to our yard, some of my fellow liveries have bought saddles from him and are very happy with them, he checks my Bates saddle regularly.
Thoroughly recommend him.