Saddle fitter? How often?

I wonder how often you call saddle fitter out. I was told it may be every several months, BUT it's kinda costly you know...

I did use mine last Aug when I bought my dressage saddle and again this Spring to see if it still fits (after breaking in and all). Both times it was a good fit per the fitter. So do I really have to call her out again?

I don't think you need to call a saddle fitter every year. The question is when would you have one out? When the horse is a bit fat and soft from a long miserable winter, in mid summer as he getting in shape or in the late fall when he's lean and muscled? What fits your horse to a T today, can't possibly in several months time if there's a change in riding and exercise. As your horse ages it will become obvious that it's time to change saddles.

Yes, I understand all that. But as you said horses changes through the year quite a lot. Still I havn't heard too many people call fitter out every 3 months or so. So I am just curious.

Has someone told you this should be done this often? If so they are either trying to sell you a saddle or well.....I won't say.

Yes. Lol!

I get my saddle fitter out every 6 months as horses do change after periods of time, my youngster I get checked every 3 months( but I get really fussy with him) why were you wondering?

Val, if you notice a big difference in you horse's shape, then you might want to think about it but for the most part - once is enough. Basically the only time a fitter is necessary is in the beginning when you are looking at new saddles or your horse has undergone drastic changes.

If you are having a fitter look at an underfed horse or one that is really lacking in muscle, they should take that into account when fitting the first time.

Other then that, unless there is a very drastic change in the horse, then only if you are getting a new saddle.

If I was a fitter, I would might want to increase my business by fitting your horse several times per year - but was is the point unless you are going to constantly change saddles?

Thanks, folks!

They did build muscles of course BUT they had a lot left from last year when I tried the saddle in Spring (at least, that's what lady fitter said). I may call her out in Oct to see what she says again (and no, she didn't advice to do it often, she definitely is in very high demand around here so her extra-trip to my place is not such a big deal for the business :) ). My qh tries to buck/run into the fence if something doesn't feel right to her (she's extremely picky about everything: pad, bit, whatever), so I'm usually looking for signs of unhappiness as indicator of something is wrong. So far so good though.

Saddle "fitters" are usually connected to a saddle company or store. With english saddles they do not have the ability to adjust the wool flocking. About all they can tell you is if the horse needs a medium, wide or narrow tree. A lower end saddle with memory foam instead of wool flocking can't be adjusted. If the fitter belongs to the Society of Master Saddlers, then that person is fully qualified.There are very vew in Canada and the US and they will likely be located in the areas where the concentration of upper lever training is greatest.

Kitten, you also need to keep in mind that your horse problems may have nothing to do with your saddle and bit, but that your horse has taken the upper hand with you. What do you do when she tries to run into the fence? Has she trained you to react in a specific way?