Family-owned saddlery since 1977
Saddle fitting in Melbourne & Victoria
The right saddle creates harmony between horse and rider, allowing both to move comfortably and perform at their best.
A successful saddle fitting is a two-part process. While it is vital that the saddle fits your horse correctly, it must also suit you.
Call (03) 9376 5444 or request a callback, and we’ll chat about your horse and where it’s kept.
In person
Most areas of Victoria
Remote guidance
Anywhere in Australia
Retailer of the Year
PDS, Pessoa & Trainers 2024–2026, Thorowgood 2026
Horse and rider, together
Your position matters as much as your horse’s shape.
Advice that fits your budget
Compare saddles across brands and price points.
Start with what you have
An adjustment may be all your current saddle needs.
New to saddle fitting?
Ask us anything. Every rider is welcome.
How it works
Our two-stage saddle fitting
First, find what feels right for you. Then assess the shortlist with your horse.
Find your seat in store
We begin with a static fitting in store, where you can sit in and compare a range of saddles. This allows you to assess differences in seat shape, size, balance, flap position and support, and to identify what you like and dislike. You can move easily from one saddle to another, and back again, to make meaningful comparisons.
Completing this stage in store also avoids repeatedly placing different saddles on your horse, which some horses find frustrating or unsettling. It gives you time to consider each option without feeling rushed.
Try the shortlist on your horse
Ideally, you then select up to three preferred saddles that we have also identified as being the most likely to suit your horse. A saddle fitter visits you and assesses each shortlisted saddle on the horse. You then ride in the suitable options so the fitter can evaluate horse and rider together.
The fitter can also make any adjustments needed to achieve the best possible fit and balance before you select the most appropriate saddle.
This approach helps us find a saddle that does more than fit the horse in isolation. It creates the best possible partnership between horse and rider.Bronwyn Davis, Ascot Saddlery
What we assess
The three most important aspects of saddle fit
Tree width
The tree is the internal frame of the saddle and determines how it sits over your horse’s withers and back. A tree that is too narrow will pinch the withers and restrict movement, while one that is too wide will drop too low and place pressure along the spine. Most quality saddles are available in multiple tree widths or feature adjustable gullet systems.
Panel contact
The panels are the cushioned sections underneath the saddle that rest against your horse’s back. They should make smooth, even contact from front to back, distributing the rider’s weight evenly.
Balance
A correctly fitted saddle should sit level on the horse’s back, allowing the rider to maintain a balanced position. If the seat tips the rider forward, the saddle may be too wide. If it tips the rider backward, the tree may be too narrow or the saddle may not suit the horse’s shape.
When to book a fit check
Saddle fit changes over time
Horses rarely stay the same shape. Age, fitness, muscle development, weight changes and seasonal condition can all affect how a saddle fits.
For most horses, having your saddle professionally checked every 12 to 18 months is a sensible investment in their comfort, performance and long-term soundness.
Not every saddle-fit problem needs a new saddle
Flocking can often be adjusted and balance corrected as your horse changes shape. That is a much smaller expense than replacing the saddle, and worth investigating before you begin shopping.
Signs worth a fit check
- Changes in your horse's comfort, behaviour or way of going
- New white hairs beneath the saddle area
- Uneven sweat patterns after riding
- Uneven muscle development along the back
- Hollowing through the back or resistance under saddle
- Reluctance to stand still for mounting
- The saddle shifting, rocking or slipping during work
No single sign proves a saddle problem. Training, teeth, soreness elsewhere and general health can look the same, so if something persists, have the fit checked and talk to your vet.
Who we fit for
Everyone is welcome
First saddle, pleasure riding or your next competition: get clear advice, time to compare and space to ask questions.
Your first saddle
Not sure where to start? We’ll help you compare saddles for your riding, your horse and your budget.
Competing
Dressage, jumping, eventing, Pony Club or riding club: compare the support and position you need, then try the shortlist on your horse.
A horse that has changed shape
Back in work after a spell, growing, ageing, or an off-the-track Thoroughbred building topline? Start with a fit check. An adjustment may be all you need.
A long way from Flemington
Call with your location and we’ll tell you whether an in-person visit or remote guidance will work best for your horse.
Where our saddle fitters travel
In person across Victoria, guidance Australia-wide
In person
Most areas of Victoria
- A fitter assesses the shortlisted saddles on your horse
- Watches you ride in each shortlisted saddle
- Adjustments made on the day
- Book by phone or request a callback
Remote fit guidance
Anywhere in Australia
- You send a series of photographs and videos
- Your fitter explains what can be assessed remotely
- An in-person visit is needed for fine-tuning
- Book by phone or request a callback
We will always advise you if we believe your horse requires an in-person fitting or more precise fine-tuning.
The brands we fit
Advice across several brands, not one
Because we fit saddles across several brands rather than representing only one manufacturer, our advice is based on which saddle best suits your horse and you, not on which one we are trying to move.
Award-winning saddle expertise
Thorowgood Retailer of the Year
PDS, Pessoa & Trainers Retailer of the Year
PDS, Pessoa & Trainers Dealer of the Year
Book a saddle fitting
Let’s talk about your saddle fitting
- Two-stage fitting: in store first, then on your horse
- Saddle fitters cover most areas of Victoria
- Remote fit guidance anywhere in Australia
- Fee confirmed before you book
Tell us a little about your horse and where it’s kept. Our team will call you back to talk it through.
You don’t need to know which saddle you want. We’ll explain how it works and confirm the fee before booking.
Prefer to call?
(03) 9376 5444Visit Ascot Saddlery
536–546 Racecourse Road
Flemington VIC 3031
Monday–Friday 9am–5:30pm
Saturday 9am–3pm
Request a callback
Required fields are marked *.
Saddle fitting FAQs
Common questions
Can’t find your answer? Our saddle fitters are happy to talk it through.
Call (03) 9376 5444Do I need to bring my horse to the store?
No horse is needed for the first in-store comparison. Your fitter then assesses the shortlisted saddles with your horse at the next stage.
How does the saddle fitting service work?
It is a two-part process. We begin with a static fitting in store, where you sit in and compare a range of saddles. You then select up to three preferred saddles that we have also identified as likely to suit your horse, and a saddle fitter visits you to assess each one on the horse and watch you ride in the suitable options.
Where do your saddle fitters travel?
Our saddle fitters cover most areas of Victoria in person. We can also assist customers throughout Australia using a series of photographs and videos, though we will always advise you if we believe your horse requires an in-person fitting or more precise fine-tuning.
How much does saddle fitting cost?
The fee varies according to the distance travelled and the type of appointment required. Call us and we will confirm the cost when arranging your visit.
How do I book a saddle fitting?
By phone on (03) 9376 5444, or request a callback using the form above. Our team will discuss your horse, rider, location and the type of fitting required before arranging the most appropriate appointment.
How often should a saddle be checked?
Periodically, and after any significant change in your horse’s condition, workload or way of going. For most horses, a professional check every 12 to 18 months is a sensible interval.
