Diagnostic Saddle Assessment
Stop guessing. Start decoding
Is your saddle fighting your horse?
Find out for sure with a Diagnostic Saddle Assessment.
You tack up, all seems well with the fit of the saddle, but 15 minutes into the ride, something feels off. Maybe it slips. Maybe you can't sit straight. Maybe your horse is reluctant to move forward.
You don't necessarily need a new saddle—you just need to understand the one you have.
What is the Diagnostic Saddle Assessment (DSA)?
The DSA is a forensic "Deep Dive" into your current saddle.
Unlike a standard fit check, this is a forensic analysis of the saddle itself.
Using your saddle’s serial number, brand specifications, and your horse’s shape, I identify structural mismatches that explain why things feel “not quite right”—even when the saddle looks acceptable at rest.
HOW THIS HELPS YOU:
You’ll know whether to stop trying to fix this saddle, adjust it strategically, or walk away.
This assessment focuses on the parts of the saddle you cannot see—but that most strongly affect performance
I Analyze:
A comprehensive PDF Report detailing:
- Before you spend another $300–$800 on pads, reflocking, or bodywork…
- Before you resell this saddle at a loss…
- Before you assume your horse is the problem…
Find out for sure with a Diagnostic Saddle Assessment.
You tack up, all seems well with the fit of the saddle, but 15 minutes into the ride, something feels off. Maybe it slips. Maybe you can't sit straight. Maybe your horse is reluctant to move forward.
You don't necessarily need a new saddle—you just need to understand the one you have.
What is the Diagnostic Saddle Assessment (DSA)?
The DSA is a forensic "Deep Dive" into your current saddle.
Unlike a standard fit check, this is a forensic analysis of the saddle itself.
Using your saddle’s serial number, brand specifications, and your horse’s shape, I identify structural mismatches that explain why things feel “not quite right”—even when the saddle looks acceptable at rest.
HOW THIS HELPS YOU:
You’ll know whether to stop trying to fix this saddle, adjust it strategically, or walk away.
This assessment focuses on the parts of the saddle you cannot see—but that most strongly affect performance
I Analyze:
- The Tree Architecture: We go beyond simple width measurements. I analyze the internal rail geometry and head shape to determine if the rigid skeleton inside your saddle is mechanically compatible with your horse’s spine and ribcage.
- The Panel Configuration: Every panel is engineered with a specific "design intent" regarding lift, support, and footprint. I determine if that design is actively supporting your horse's posture or creating hidden pressure points that block movement.
- The Mechanics: We connect the dots between the saddle's engineering and your ride quality. I identify the root mechanical cause of the symptoms you are feeling—whether it's slipping, bouncing, or rider imbalance—so we stop treating just the symptoms.
A comprehensive PDF Report detailing:
- The Verdict: A definitive, unbiased assessment of the match between your horse and your saddle. You will know if your equipment is a structural match, a fatal mismatch, or something that can be managed.
- The Forensic "Why": No more guessing. I explain the specific architectural reasons behind the behaviors you are feeling, translating the physics of the fit into clear concepts so you understand the source of the conflict.
- The Roadmap: A strategic plan for your next move. Whether the solution requires specific stabilization techniques, maintenance adjustments, or structural modifications, you will walk away with a clear path forward.
Cost: $75
Compare: Full Remote Fitting $150
If the report does not deliver meaningful clarity about your saddle, I will refund your fee.
Compare: Full Remote Fitting $150
If the report does not deliver meaningful clarity about your saddle, I will refund your fee.
Important Note on Scope: This assessment is a forensic analysis of your current equipment. The goal is to identify the problem and provide a remediation plan (e.g., specific girthing changes, flocking adjustments, or repairs).
What if I need a new saddle? If our analysis confirms that your current saddle is a mismatch and cannot be used, I can absolutely help by giving you a list of high potential matches.
That service is handled separately via my Saddle Search Shortlist.
What if I need a new saddle? If our analysis confirms that your current saddle is a mismatch and cannot be used, I can absolutely help by giving you a list of high potential matches.
That service is handled separately via my Saddle Search Shortlist.
- If you are ready to stop fixing the old one and start shopping for a new one:
If you are in need of help finding saddles and a suitability analysis after narrowing down your shortlist, I can help with the search for a new/used saddle. (This is described on the Virtual Saddle Fitting page as well).
Saddle Searching or Analysis/Review: $30/hour
Saddle Searching or Analysis/Review: $30/hour
- Assistance in finding suitable saddles based on identified criteria.
- Review of saddles you find independently, ensuring they meet the requirements for your horse and your preferences. Either way, you will be provided with guidance with examples of features that are advantageous for you and your horse and try to check off as many boxes as we can!
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