Ivy House Saddlery

27/07/2026

⚖️ Does Your Saddle's Weight Really Matter? ⚖️

🐴 For the horse: Fit matters far more than weight in most cases, but weight can play a genuine role for horses with weaker backs, such as older horses losing topline or younger horses still developing and building strength. For these horses, a lighter saddle can certainly help reduce the overall load and make things more comfortable!

That said, this isn't a substitute for the bigger picture. Overall, your horse should be healthy, strong and well conditioned enough to comfortably carry you and your saddle's combined weight within their limit. A lighter saddle can offer some great benefits, but it shouldn't be relied on to compensate for a horse that isn't fit or strong enough for the job.

🧍 For the rider: This is where weight tends to matter most day to day. A lighter saddle is easier to carry to and from the yard, easier to lift onto a horse, and easier to transport to shows or lessons

🏆 For competition: In some disciplines, a very light saddle can slightly reduce the total weight carried, but for most riders this isn't going to be the difference maker it's sometimes made out to be. Fit and suitability should always come first

👉 The takeaway: a lighter saddle can help support a horse with a weaker back, but it's not a replacement for overall fitness and strength. Your horse should always be comfortably able to carry your combined weight

Not sure if your saddle's the right fit or weight for your horse? We offer free virtual consultations, or give us a call on 01995 642 102 to chat it through!💬

10/02/2026

Supporting horse and rider comfort is at the heart of everything I do. If you’ve been happy with your saddle fitting experience, I’d be honoured to receive your nomination for Saddle Fitter of the Year. Thank you for your continued trust.

Nominate now for Saddle Fitter of the Year

Good saddle fitting can make a huge difference to a horse’s comfort, way of going, and long-term soundness. The best saddle fitters take their time, explain what they’re seeing, and put the horse first,
not the sale.

This award is about recognising saddle fitters who work to high standards. The professionals who understand biomechanics, consider the horse’s shape and movement, and support both horse and rider with honest, knowledgeable advice.

Whether they work independently, run a small one-person business, or are part of a larger business, these fitters play a vital role in equine welfare and performance.

If you know a saddle fitter who stands out for their skill, integrity, and care, someone you trust to do what’s right for the horse, we’d love to hear about them.

Nominations are now open for Saddle Fitter of the Year.

👉 Please share this post, tag a saddle fitter in the comments and nominate via our website, supporting a professional who truly makes a difference. Self nominations are also welcome

27/01/2026

Your horse’s comfort isn’t guesswork 🐴💙

A correctly fitted saddle can make the difference between a happy, free-moving horse and long-term pain or behavioural issues. That’s why choosing a qualified saddle fitter really matters.

Equine Fitters Directory helps owners find trained, insured professionals who work to recognised standards – so you know your horse is in safe, knowledgeable hands. No shortcuts, no guesswork, just welfare-led fitting you can trust.

21/01/2026

16/01/2026

A saddle doesn’t perform standing still… Movement matters 🐎
What is your saddle fitter considering during your dynamic assessment 💭

06/01/2026

Every good fit starts with listening to the horse

☝🏼Hands first
✌🏼Template second 📐
🐎Saddle last

Every good fit starts with listening to the horse

Back palpation is a vital part of the saddle fitting process- assessing:
✅comfort
✅muscle response
✅symmetry
… before making any adjustments.

Templating is Next 📐- assessing:
✅angles
✅symmetry
✅back profile
✅muscle development
✅changes over time

Templates help translate what I feel during palpation into measurable, repeatable data. 📈

Save this for you next saddle fit✨



Shot by Millstone Film and Photography 🎥

05/01/2026

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and wishing you all a very Happy New Year 🎉

Not quite how I hoped to start 2026, having to cancel my clients today due to the snow, but safety always comes first.

Caring for horses in these conditions are difficult, please stay safe out there ❄️ and remember that warmer weather will be upon us soon 🙏☀️

Looking forward to seeing you all in 2026!

Featuring my poo picking buddy fifi🐱