Fells Saddlery

19/06/2026

☀️ We hope everyone is making the most of this gorgeous sunshine and the warm weather! It’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy some quality rides with your horses 🐎

Just a little reminder that changes in workload, fitness and even the warmer temperatures can affect your horse’s shape and comfort.
A well-fitting saddle helps keep both horse and rider happy, whether you’re hacking, competing or simply enjoying the longer, sunnier days.

Have a fantastic weekend, stay hydrated (🍷😉)
and enjoy every minute of the sunshine! 🐴💙

P.s. can anyone tell me what’s wrong in this picture 👀

12/06/2026

What happens if a saddle is too long? 🤔

If a saddle is too long for a horse, it can cause a lot more than just discomfort - it can actually affect how the horse moves and performs.

When a saddle extends too far back, it sits over areas of the horse’s back that aren’t designed to carry weight. This can lead to pressure points, soreness, and restricted movement through the spine and hindquarters.

One of the most important issues is how the horse’s own movement reacts to the imbalance. As the horse engages its back and shoulders, the motion can actually force the saddle forward. In some cases, this can push the saddle up and over the shoulder, especially if there isn’t enough stable, weight-bearing space underneath it.
That shift can pinch the shoulder, restrict the front legs, and in turn, cause the horse to shorten its stride to avoid discomfort.

Over time, this kind of fit issue can lead to resistance, uneven muscle development or even behavioural changes like bucking, hollowing the back or refusing to go forward.

A properly fitted saddle should sit within the weight-bearing area of the horse’s back, allowing the shoulders to move freely and the spine to work without restriction.
Getting saddle fit right isn’t just about comfort - it’s about keeping the horse moving correctly and staying sound 🐴💙

06/06/2026

It’s been a busy few weeks since I got back from Crete - thank you to everyone who’s kept me busy 🫶

There are a few appointments available left for July:

17th July - 2 spaces WF8 area
22nd July - 2 spaces TS area
24th July - 3-4 spaces NE area
27th July - 3-4 spaces DH/DL area

and I am now taking bookings for August 🐴

24/05/2026

☀️🐴 Heat & Saddle Fittings 🐴☀️

With the warmer weather and higher temperatures that we’re currently having, the welfare and comfort of both horse and rider remain our top priority.

During saddle fitting appointments, any ridden work will be kept quick and to a minimum wherever possible due to the heat.
We’ll be working sensibly with you and your horses to ensure fittings are carried out safely and comfortably.

Please make sure fresh water is readily available for your horse during appointments and don’t forget to look after yourselves too by staying hydrated and dressing appropriately for the weather 💙

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation - let’s keep our horses happy, comfortable and cool this summer! ☀️🍦

10/05/2026

Hi everyone! ☀️

I’m currently on holiday in Crete with the hubby and taking some time away to relax and recharge.
Any messages received will be replied to when I return on 22nd May.

Thank you for your patience and understanding 😊🐴

04/05/2026

If you’re not a fan of riding in the arena because it feels enclosed, claustrophobic, or just makes you a bit on edge, you’re definitely not alone 🫣

For some riders (and horses too!), the arena can feel quite intense or restrictive, and that can make it harder to relax and ride naturally.
Confidence and comfort matter so much, and sometimes the best way to see what’s really going on is to step outside of that environment altogether.

That’s why I’m always happy to come out with you on a gentle hack instead 🫶

We can take things at your pace, in a more open and relaxed setting, while I assess your saddle in motion and see how everything is working for both you and your horse.
It often gives a much clearer, more realistic picture of balance, movement, and overall comfort.

There’s no pressure and no judgement - just a supportive approach to help you and your horse feel your best.

If this sounds like something that would suit you better, feel free to drop me a message 😊💙

27/04/2026

Ever noticed a saddle lifting at the back in trot? 👀

This is a really common issue - and it’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right with saddle fit or balance.

Here are the main causes:

• Tree doesn’t match the horse’s shape - if the saddle tree has the wrong shape (too curved for a flat back, or too flat for a curved back), it won’t sit evenly and will rock, causing the back to lift.
• Poor saddle fit (width issues) - too narrow and it tips backwards, causing pressure points towards the lumbar spine. Too wide and it can drop in front and bounce at the back.
• Bridging - when the saddle only makes contact at the front and back, leaving a gap in the middle, it will lift during movement.
• Rider balance - being tipped forward or being unbalanced can add pressure to the front and cause the cantle to pop up.
• Thick or unsuitable pads - sometimes a pad that is too thick can actually make the saddle less stable rather than improving fit.
• Horse shape & movement - rounder or flatter-backed horses can make a poor-fitting saddle more obvious, especially in trot.

A well-fitting saddle should sit evenly with consistent contact from front to back and stay as stable as possible in motion, while still allowing the horse’s back, shoulders, and muscles to move naturally.
We want stability, not rigidity - a completely static saddle can create pressure points, restrict movement, and cause discomfort over time.

If you see or feel the back lifting, it’s worth investigating. Your horse’s comfort depends on it 🫶

24/04/2026

I pride myself on being there for both horse 𝘢𝘯𝘥 rider 🐴🙋‍♀️

Saddle fitting isn’t just about checking if a saddle “fits” while standing still.
I assess how it works in real time - looking at your horse’s movement, posture, and muscle development. Every horse is different, and even small imbalances can affect comfort, performance and long-term wellbeing.

My goal is to ensure the saddle works for you both - allowing freedom through the shoulders and back, even weight distribution and helping to prevent pain or restriction.

Because when everything works together, horse and rider can move in true harmony 🫶💙

19/04/2026

📅 May is nearly fully booked! 🎉

There are a few sneaky spaces left 👀

✨ 1 space in the Durham area - 26th
✨ 2 space around Thirsk/Northallerton - 27th
✨ 1 space covering Newcastle/Durham/Stockton - 28th

June is filling up FAST too ⏳
So if your saddle is due a check (or you’ve been putting it off 🙈), now’s your sign to get booked in!

Pop me a message to grab one of the last spots before they’re gone! 💙

16/04/2026