Have questions about our saddles, in-barn saddle fitting service, or the saddle trial process?
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Meet Our Saddle Fitters
Here at Sprucewood, we believe that proper saddle fit is imperative to success for horse and rider. Our knowledgeable fitters with extensive training are here to help you find the best saddle solution for you and your horse. Currently, we have two full-time saddle fitters on staff, both with experience and expertise to provide you the best service possible.
Fitter #1
Nathan
Nathan began his saddle fitting journey many years ago assisting his father on fittings in his youth. After attending the University of Guelph, Nathan began his formal training apprenticing with Dennis while also traveling to Italy, Germany, the United States and England to learn from the top saddle makers in the world. He visited many factories to learn directly from saddle designers about the fit philosophy, features and options from multiple brands.
Formal training from the Society of Master Saddlers, Prestige Italia, Stubben, Vale Brothers & more has rounded out his education. Nathan has continued to attend clinics, seminars and courses through the years to further his knowledge and remain up to date on the latest research and technology in regards to saddles and their impact on the physiology of the horse.
This well-rounded approach, taking the best of all different saddle fitting philosophies, has made Nathan one of the most sought-after saddle fitters in Ontario.
Fitter #2
Lydia
Lydia’s passion for horses began at a young age and has continued through her adult life, leading her to a career in the industry. Not only has she completed an extensive apprenticeship with Nathan, but also individual training courses, in line with Sprucewood’s philosophy of continual growth in knowledge and experience.
She has attended many clinics and courses including the Advanced Saddle Fitting Course provided by the Society of Master Saddlers, Bench and Onsite Adjustment Course provided by the Society of Master Saddlers, Introduction To Bridle Fitting provided by the Society of Master Saddlers, Fairfax, Kent & Masters and Thorowgood product training, fitting and product course from Prestige Italia with their lead Master Saddler as well as training with the original founder of Renaissance.
Lydia brings along a wealth of knowledge not only in regards to saddle and bridle fitting, but also from her own experience as a rider.
Saddle FAQs
What is your saddle trial policy?
At Sprucewood, we know that finding the correct saddle for you & your horse can be a difficult process. That is why we offer saddle trials on every saddle we sell. Once you receive a saddle, there is a 5 day trial period. We have a flat rate shipping charge of $50 on all saddles that we send to anywhere in Canada (some very remote areas might have a shipping surcharge - but we will inform you before we ship) When you receive your saddle, please feel free to give it a try! (Please note, that if you need to return your saddle, it must be in the same condition that it arrived to you…so if you wish to try out your new English saddle with stirrups - please wrap the stirrup leathers so that the saddle does not get marked. Western saddles - please wrap the stirrups in a plastic bag) Any saddles returned not in original condition will be assessed a 20% re-stocking fee.
Do you take used saddles on consignment?
Yes, we do take some makes & models of quality saddles on consignment. To see if your saddle is eligible for consignment & for more details, please contact one of our fitters: saddle@sprucewoodtack.com
What saddle services do you offer?
Sprucewood's wide selection of in-stock saddles from many of the world's top brands offers you unparalleled choice when selecting your new saddle. Our experienced saddle fitters travel throughout Ontario offering our in-barn saddle fitting service to ensure your new saddle purchase is the best possible solution for you and your horse. We service and repair all saddles that we sell, so you can be assured peace of mind.
How do I book a saddle fitting?
Please filled our saddle fitting form and one of our saddle fitters will get back to you to set-up a fitting.
Can I return a saddle purchased online?
To return your saddle, please pack it up carefully in its original packaging with a copy of the receipt. Please use the return feature on your Order History Page within 5 days of receipt of your saddle to request an RA#. (Please note: CLEAROUT saddles are returnable for exchange or store credit only) Once you have submitted your RA# request, please allow 3 business days to process the request. You will be contacted by one of our Sprucewood Customer Service Representatives via email. Contained within this email will be the instructions on how to return your purchase and an approved Return Authorization number (RA#) Please print a copy of this email from us & include it in the box with your return. The email will also contain the return address for shipping purposes. Please be sure to add appropriate insurance to the package as we cannot be responsible for packages lost or damaged in transit. Return shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer. When we receive the returned saddle (with the appropriate RA #) we will be happy to process your return as per your instructions. Sorry, we cannot accept COD returns.
Do I need to pay for the saddle first before taking it on trial?
Any saddle that we ship to you must be paid for before shipping. Once you receive your saddle, you have 5 days to try it out. If you need to return it, you will receive a full refund of the price of the saddle (shipping costs are not refunded). Please see our saddle returns page for more details. Saddles taken from one of our store locations for trial are typically processed as a pre-authorization on your credit card when you take your saddle out. If you need to make alternate arrangements - please contact one of our fitters: saddle@sprucewoodtack.com