Welcome to Saddlehands! Independent Saddle Fitting for objective evaluations and recommendations

I’m Ellen and my new website is under a little construction, so please excuse any bumps in your travels and give me a call if I can help you with something that you don’t see here.

You might be here because you are curious about saddle fit for your horse. SaddleHands serves Colorado and beyond for objective evaluations of your current saddle or for impartial recommendations for a future saddle.

SaddleHands maintains its objectivity because we do not sell or represent any saddle
companies. We work on all saddles to adjust wool, completely reflock or develop a padding
solution that will enhance the comfort and performance for horses and riders.

Evergreen and Surrounding Area – July through October 2012

Ellen is relocating temporarily to Evergreen, CO.  She is extending a “no mileage charge” offer to anyone within a 10 mile radius from her new home “practically on the lake”.  If you live in the hills in the surrounding area, give her a call to set up an appointment!

Check out my saddle fitting related articles:

“A Hands-On Approach to Saddle Fit” in John Lyons Perfect Horse Magazine, April 2008
“Saddlefit for Women” in Equine Wellness Magazine, May/June 2008
“Does My Saddle Still Fit”, in Equine Wellness Magazine, Volume 6 Issue 5 November/December 2011

How Often Should You Check Your Saddle Fit?

Nationally recognized veterinarians who specialize in saddle fit and the horse’s back agree that our saddles should be evaluated about every six months. For horses that have the same level of work day in and day out, that is fine. However, I have just returned from three appointments that showed need for a substantial change in padding (for a Western saddle), and flocking (for an English saddle). In the case of the English saddles, the last check was three months ago. Training was ramped up considerably, and these horses’ backs changed dramatically. The need for change in the Western saddle’s padding was a recent change of boarding location.

Any time something changes with training, feeding, location, health or soundness, whether it is an improvement or a setback, anticipate that there will be a change in how your horse’s saddle fits. If the saddle fit is left behind, the horse will not progress as you may want.