Chris Evans Saddle Fitting

18/02/2026

Look what just arrived, Loxley monoflap dressage black with black patent welt, adjustable tree and a super soft knee block...😍

18/02/2026

Something discussed at fittings is the way a rider feels in the saddle, I often see riders move saddles to one side when they are perfectly centre and think they are then straight when they are not. It's a really interesting topic and just hits home the importance of rider fitness, discussing physical reasons why a rider can't sit straight and the importance of bodywork for riders and not just the horses😊

ARE YOU STANDING EVENLY?

This was a force plate output from a clinic last week. The rider was asked to stand evenly, and when they confirmed they were standing evenly we recorded data.

We always see differences between left and right (sidedness) when standing, seated and rotating, but what is interesting here is the position of the right foot (rotation), relative to the left. This was what felt “equal” to the rider when standing on a solid platform.

Whilst we can’t explicitly determine a relationship, on the horse, the rider shifted their seat to the left (no saddle slip left or right), and rotated to the right. Their right foot was rotated outwards, and right knee drawing up with the right thigh gripping. The upper body had a concavity of the right trunk (collapse) and rotation to the right.

An interesting example of what can be seen off-horse, and how it “may” influence riding position. Reinforcing the importance of “off horse assessment” and exercise to improve riding biomechanics, and to understand the complex interactions between the rider-horse-saddle.

How many people see one foot/knee externally rotating when riding (coupled with the other foot / heel being pushed down or braced)?

14/02/2026

Next up, Kent & Masters Competition dressage saddle, adjustable gullet and girthing options. Part of the dressage saddle range I now have available.

13/02/2026

The Arena Monoflap dressage now in stock. Black or brown, different seat sizes 16.5 to 18, Hart system so airbags not flock, adjustable gullet widths and riser options for a perfect fit. Free saddle cloth included. Great price of £1099.00

12/02/2026

I know the feeling😊 I am off for a long weekend, I will reply to all messages from Tuesday 17th February. 😊 Currently booked around 10 weeks in advance, unless waiting for a new saddle to arrive and then I will book you as soon as I have my hands on it. I have been booking in some new clients where I can so please don't be afraid to ask. Many thanks and fingers crossed for a dry weekend.

12/02/2026

Being an Albion partner means access to a huge range of stock. The new Kontinuum Mono Dressage, replacing the very popular K2 range.
Available in seat, leather and tree options for a perfect fit. V or U for example with panel options to suit back profile. Another important point to consider is having your saddle checked by someone who had had brand specific training, seen the trees, listened to the research team, understands how they can work and the options available. I have spent time in Walsall, watched new product webinars, speak to my brand contacts and colleagues. Some saddles fit differently to others because of the technology involved, if I hadn't been to the training there would be plenty of things I wouldn't know and therefore could miss vital points to consider...

11/02/2026

GFS Premier dressage. Moveable knee blocks and stirrup bars for precision fit for the rider, wool flocked on an adjustable tree. Now in stock and available in other size and colour options. Deep seat shown in picture😊

11/02/2026

Older saddles

For fun, because of the rubbish weather and the awful time of it horse owners and equine professionals are having, this is for fun but hopefully with a serious lightbulb moment included.

I turn up to check saddles or to bring out a shiny new saddle for a client, everyone happy and all goes swimmingly. I have clocked it, like a murder detective at a crime scene. 🤣The old saddle sat on the saddle stand by the door, it's had a quick wipe I think, the sleeve of a jacket I see, but it can't be hidden, it's covered in dust, grease and bird p**p. 💩The poor 30+ year old saddle begging me with it's nail heads🙄 to leave it there to rest, it's doing no harm, taking up no space, just wants what's rightfully deserved, a happy retirement. I know what's coming, i'm welsh so i can talk and boy I can fill a gap in a conversation so I keep chatting to the client, slowly moving to the van for a bank robbery style exit, but no, this saddle has been dragged down from the rafters, been cleaned with a coat sleeve and they are committed to getting this out of the tack room. And here it comes, "Have an older saddle here, expensive one too back in the day, can you sell it for me?"🤣 And it's out there, every fitter knows the feeling,🙈 will hold sentimental value but the horse it went on is long gone, that's where the memories lay. Errm, uh, it's a little older than I could sell, horses have changed so much over the years, look at a painting from years ago, backs as long as an old Ford Cortina, could get two saddles on that. I think spine clearance way below the accepted standard today, rock hard leather, flocking, sagging, squeaking, angle of rails like razor blades and very likely a bit twisty. So I try point this out diplomatically. I am also thinking that the free mouldy stirrup leathers being thrown in to sweeten the deal will be used by the mites and spiders to take me from behind on the drive home and throttle me to death. 🤣🕷🪲
Then there is the ebay or market place conversation, the be good as backing saddle or for a low budget. I think ok, and you go buy a pair of old worn shoes from the chairty shop and walk around in those clunky things🤢I diplomatically try again, in my head, why an earth would a young horse want that on it's back. Turn it in to a stool or handbag, not put it out there to be wiped over and sold cheap. There a very affordable well made saddles on the market now, Thorowgoods as an example made to a good standard and up to date with scientific research. If you divide the amount of times you have ridden in that saddle into the cost price it owes you nothing. We buy £12k cars that last us 5 years and let them go for pennies when the time comes. Just let the poor saddle rest in peace🤣Feel free to add a picture of your saddles that you are pondering over and maybe rethink and get that bonfire started🔥🤣🤣

And lastly, even little Rodney the donkey, living his worst hell in a poor country won't thank you for it, or the 6" driving gag you can't bring yourself to throw away. I hate landfill with a passion but sometimes we just need to get over it and get rid. Ask me to cut it up if you want, be my pleasure🤣

Also if you aren't sure, a Saddler or Master Saddler with loads of experience would be good to take it apart and have a good look, if it's really worth it😊

10/02/2026

Now in stock, Ryder Riviera monoflap dressage saddle, beautiful soft knee block, deep seat and suited to a horse with big shoulders and width at the base of the wither. Available to demo...

08/02/2026

I mean, how amazing would this be😊

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

29/09/2025

Hello, due to experiencing a level of busy that I cannot keep up with I am not currently booking in brand new clients for the time being. I am taking a short break in October but am booked up now, well in advance. I will post here when I can open things up again. Thank you😊

29/09/2025

Enjoyed BetaTrade Event at the NEC this weekend. I like to think outside the box sometimes and have saddles and accessories to try when things may not be working. It's always a financial risk but I believe trying new things and listening to the horse and rider is the best part of this job.