Consultation

The Holistic Approach

For some horses, unnatural patterns of movement, poor muscle development and posture have been created by past discomfort and restriction from saddles. Sometimes, the horse is capable of sorting the problems out as soon as he no longer has to wear the “old” saddle. However, some need the additional support of a vet, chiropractor, osteopath, or other therapist. If appropriate, I will discuss this with you during the consultation.

Because of the influence that we, as riders, have upon our horses, it is also important to take the rider(s) into account, so it may be helpful to discuss any rider issues that arise. Remember that the saddle also has to be correct and comfortable for you, too.

Please remember that in the UK you are currently required to obtain veterinary permission to have most therapists work with your horse.

For your information, please read ‘The Consultation Procedure’

The consultation procedure is designed to help you gather information and learn more about saddle design and fitting. My aim is to help you and your horse by sharing this information and using the experience that I have gained over the years.

I believe that the relationship between owner and saddle consultant is equally as important as that which you have with your other equestrian professionals: farrier, hoof care specialist, trainer, vet, dentist, and other health care practitioners. Because of this I offer a full follow-up service including remedial saddling help, regular saddle checks, flocking alterations, and as much help and assistance as you might need in order to achieve and maintain the best results for you and your horse.

Whilst it should be emphasised that a saddle alone cannot be expected to solve all equine and rider problems, many owners report very positive changes. Horses that had previously suffered from unsoundness, poor performance, behavioural and emotional problems, and general ill health, have shown excellent results.

The combination of the saddle design and the system of fitting that I use is designed to minimise the negative impact that saddles often have on the horse’s biomechanical “correctness”, efficiency, and comfort. This creates the potential for better performance, with less physical stress on the limbs, joints, and feet.

The following topics are covered during the consultation:

The anatomy and biomechanics of the horse

Observing your horse’s current posture and muscle development

Discussing the way that specific saddle design features can help or hinder your horse

Discussing the way that specific saddle design features can help or hinder your riding, too

Assessing your current saddle’s design and fit

A comparison of your horse’s movement in its own saddle and then in a selection of other saddles

Using feedback provided by the “feel” of your horse when ridden, any changes in behaviour, plus observation of your horse’s movement from the ground, you will find that we can assess which saddle would be the most appropriate choice for you and your horse


	Consultation fees:

Being VAT registered I am obliged to charge you VAT on all of my services. The charges listed below include VAT @ 20%

One horse £67.00 + client’s additional horses £27.00 each

Group rates are: two to four horses, £47.00 per horse (please see the note below)

Day clinic rates on request, minimum of four horses (please see the note below)

Travel expenses: 45p per mile (please ask for an estimate on travel expenses as they are shared whenever possible and generally average £20.00-£30.00 per person)

Following the purchase of a new saddle, the first follow up visit and flocking adjustment will be complimentary (excluding travel)

Future follow up visits are £45.00 plus travel or £35.00 plus travel if a shared visit to horses at the same location


	Note: To qualify for a group or clinic rate, you need to be able to comply with the following conditions:

All owners/riders will be present for the first hour of the consultation

Riders/owners should then allow at least one hour for their personal consultation time (it may help you to agree in advance which set times suit each of you)

All horses must be at the same location


	Booking a Consultation If you would now like to arrange a saddling consultation, please go here to submit your request, or click here to download a copy of the request form.