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Hattie Crabtree Leatherwork & Saddlery is temporarily closed due to ill health,
thank you for your understanding.
Winner at The National Saddlery Competition February 2023
Winner at BETA International pre-made competition September 2023
Prize Winner at the National Saddlery Competition 2024
Prize Winner at the National Saddlery Competition 2025
Multiple Prize Winner at National Saddlery Competition 2026
Saddle Fitting in Cumbria
With close to 10 years of experience in the traditional craft of leatherwork, Hattie is a qualified saddler under the Society of Master Saddlers, holding level 3 city & guilds qualifications in both bridle & saddle making. She is now pursuing the fitting route, with her friend Ruth Clark stepping away from saddle fitting, there will no longer be a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter in Cumbria. Hattie has completed the SMS Qualified Saddle Fitting Course and works with two mentors who support & oversee her work remotely for the next 18 months - 3 years, or until Hattie completes her Qualifying exam. Hattie has already gained a vast wealth of knowledge and experience in making saddles, including coming 2nd in the small Business Saddle class at the National Saddlery Competition 2024.
Please click the button bellow to enter your email address & name, then Hattie will send the documentation & information directly to you. Hattie has to send these manually so please allow up to 48 hours for her to send the documents, and remember to check your junk folder.
|What is the difference between SMS trained professionals and other fitting qualifications
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In order to qualify as a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter, one must complete a one-day introduction to saddle fitting course, a three-day course on mastering the process of saddle fitting, gain a minimum of 18 months experience in saddle fitting under the supervision of a mentor, and pass a final exam. It is important to verify the qualifications of your saddle fitter, as the term "saddler" is not a protected title like "vet," "physio," or "farrier." Always Look for the SMS badge to ensure quality.
Why is it important to get your saddle correctly fitted
The fit of your saddle and bridle play a critical role in the overall health and wellbeing for your horse – and for you. Horses change constantly, whether gaining or losing excess weight, developing healthy or compensatory muscling, or altering how they move due to lameness, or, preferably, due to correct management and training. Even the rider changes, if not physically, then in ability or desire to try different ridden sports. All these changes may be reflected in the fit of your saddle. Poor fit can lead to discomfort for your horse and unwanted behaviours such as bucking, napping and moving off when the rider tries to mount. The rider in a saddle that does not fit them may find they experience back or joint pains. Importantly, both horse and human may find that they cannot do what is being asked of them, and lose confidence.
How often should my saddle be checked?
A brand new saddle will need to be re-assessed approximately 3 months after purchase, possibly sooner if the rider is riding regularly. This allows the fitter to see how the flock / panel has settled, if there needs any topping up of flock or any adjustments.
After this it is best practise to get your saddle checked every 4- 6 months, however if you horses behaviour or comfort seems to have changed then better to get your saddle seen sooner rather than later.
If you purchase a new horse & they come with tack, it is good to get the saddle checked to ensure that it is suitable for both the horse and you as the new rider.
Why do saddles need a full re-flock of the panel sometimes?
Over time, the wool flocking in your saddle's panel may become so compacted that it cannot be restored. This can be compared to wearing out the soles of your shoes, resulting in discomfort and pain from feeling every bump and lump. Removing the panel from the seat allows a professional to inspect the saddle's interior and ensure its health for both you and your horse.
I was taught how to fit a saddle through pony club & BHS stages, why should I pay for a professional?
Above is an image of Hattie on her horse Rory, a year before she went in to saddlery, she believed that because the saddle was the right width & length with the knowledge learnt from pony Club and her level 3 BHS training that it fitted.
However can you see that from shoulder, hip, ankle of Hattie's position and Rory's ears, that this saddle definitely did not fit.
The tree of this saddle was not the right shape for Rory, resulting in Hattie being out of balance, Rory actually went lame after this lesson because of the fit of his saddle.
How much does an appointment cost?
The cost of an appointment is currently £60 plus travel, The assessment will last approximately 90 minutes but please allow up to 2 hours
Both horse & rider must be present, clean and ready to ride, you will be asked to lead up your horse in walk & trot, then ride in walk, trot & canter possibly a jump.
Travel is priced at 50p per mile.
Payment in full is required to book the appointment, cancelation of the appointment prior to 48 hours will be subject to a £25 cancellation admin fee. Cancellation of the appointment within 48 hours of the appointment is charged at full price.
Follow up appointments will be charged at £50 + travel. If a saddle has not been checked in over 12 months then an initial assessment will be carried out.