Yvonne Gausden SMS QSF (UK)is a fully qualified saddle fitter, having trained in England and has successfully passed the examinations of the Society of Master Saddlers (UK).�

A saddle fitter looks at the whole system of horse, rider and saddle
Why do you need an "in person" saddle fitter?

Yvonne is able to stand back and watch the horse move on its own and the rider and horse together.

In conferring her saddle fitting qualification, her examiner commended her for having a particularly sensitive eye for balance - a personal quality that is particularly valuable for her profession. Do not be surprised if Yvonne's advice extends beyond the fit of the saddle, therefore.  Her wide experience of riding and teaching riding and her innate "eye" for balance enables her to see if the horse's movement, or the rider's technique is contributing to problems that might appear to come from the saddle.

The different stages of saddle fitting
Yvonne Gausden provides a complete service, from the moment of first contact through to follow up service after she has completed a fitting.

Stage 1: Information gathering:When you first contact Horselands Equestrian Ltd to arrange a fitting, a staff member will ask a number of questions about the horse and rider to enable Yvonne to select appropriate saddles to try on your horse.  All the staff at Horselands are trained to do this.

Stage 2: The On-site assessment: On her arrival at your site, Yvonne will take a complete profile of the horse which includes an assessment of conformation, movement, condition of the back and a template of the horse's saddle area.  Any or all of these factors may affect how the saddle sits on the horse.  She will select one or more appropriate saddles and watch you ride in them, and how your horse likes the saddle/s. Jumps are required if you are trying a jumping saddle.

Based on her assessment of the horse and rider, Yvonne will advise you on the best options for you, based on your particular needs and circumstances and on her assessment of horse, rider and saddles.

Stage 3: Trialling a saddle or saddles
If, as a result of the assessment, you have decided you need to purchase a saddle, Yvonne may loan you the saddle/s for an agreed period of time at a minimal charge of $25 per day. You may want to have a longer ride, or you may want your instructor to see you ride in that saddle/s.  This will give you more time to ensure that you and your horse are truly satisfied with your purchase.

Stage 4: Purchasing a saddle: Not all saddle fittings will result in the need to buy a new saddle.  However, if you do decide to do so, Horselands Equestrian Ltd has an excellent range of saddles in stock.

Stage 5: Follow Up. One month after the fitting Yvonne will call you to see how your partnership with the horse is functioning. This is the time to discuss any adjustments that may need to be made with the fit of the saddle.
Most horses need their saddles checked for fit every six months, and at the least, once a year.

Frequently asked questions
How long does a saddle fitting take?
A professional saddle fitting takes about an hour to an hour and a half, and may take longer if there are a number of saddles to choose from for fit and comfort.

What sort of are is needed for the on-site assessment?
You will need a reasonably flat area to work the horse in hand, and under saddle. The are will need to be easily accessible for Yvonne's van, which holds her saddles and fitting equipment.

Can a fitting be carried out in the rain?
Not normally, as the horse will not usually perform readily, and the saddles do not like getting wet! Yvonne needs the horse to have a dry back for the initial checks.
An undercover area to work in is helpful. Light showers are OK.

What does the cost of a fitting cover?
The cost only covers Yvonne's time and travel.  As you can see, the whole fitting process includes a lot more than that, particularly if you try or buy a saddle.
Yvonne's breadth of expertise and follow on support is built into the cost of her saddles.