In the Beginning
Schedule your custom fitting several ways, contact your fitter or contact us directly to get the process started. The more information we have from the start the better prepared we will be to cater to your individual needs. From this initial consultation your fitter will select an assortment of saddles for you to try. Following are just some of the questions your fitter will ask:
- What type of saddle are you looking to purchase, jumping, dressage etc.
- What kind of model are you currently riding in?
- Your general anatomy, height, weight. (We have numerous seat options and flap sizes)
- Discuss the anatomy of your horse, breed, age, size, conditioning, health.
- Any other relevant questions that your fitter will ask in preparation for the your fitting.
The Fitting
Identifying the saddle that brings the rider and horse in balance sets the precedent to discuss the fitting process. Because you and your horse may have specific needs, most often a custom fitting is the best solution for both. Our fitters have an assortment of saddles, with different variations, that will be used only as a guide during the fitting process. Our agenda is not to persuade you into purchasing a saddle from our samples, but to find the right saddle for you and your horse.
Your Stubben fitter will now schedule an appointment to visit your barn with an assortment of saddles chosen from the initial consultation. Make sure horse and rider are prepared and ready. A fitting without the rider being in the saddle is not beneficial from our point of view. Only during movement can we effectively evaluate correct saddle fit as the horse changes during movement.
Before you step into the saddle we will take a closer look at your horse. First we will access your horse for soreness. Should we notice any soreness your fitter will advise you immediately and determine how we should proceed with the fitting. We will then measure the horses back by taking a detailed look at saddle and girth position and any other anatomical characteristics that we need to be aware of. First step in saddle fit is determining the tree width that your horse will need. All other final technical options will be evaluated during the test ride. During the test ride your Stubben fitter will conduct an analysis of the following:
- Is there sufficient wither clearance.
- Is there even distribution across the tree points.
- Is the weight distribution even on the panels?
- Relationship of girth groove to saddle position
You should focus on seat comfort during the test ride and ask yourself the following:
- Is my leg position correct?
- Do I feel secure?
- Do I like the depth of the seat?
- Do I want to try the Biomex? (Recommended if you have back issues)
At this point you and your Stubben fitter have identified what saddle is right for you. Congratulations, your test ride is complete. Now it is up to you to design your saddle. With Stubben Custom there is no limit to your creativity. After down payment is received, your saddle will be scheduled for production. You will be informed about current deilvery times before placing your order.
The first follow up visit will be scheduled after about 40 hours of ride time as the wool panels will conform to the horses back and the leather softens, etc. Your Stübben fitter will ensure that your saddle is still in balance, which may involve flocking adjustments. The first follow up including all necessary adjustments is included in the purchase price of the saddle.
In general it is also important to continue assesing the fit of your saddle. Your Stubben fitter is happy to explain to you what you should look for.