Independent Saddle Fitting
My name is Sarah, owner of Bucking Belgian Saddle Fitting LLC. Originally from Belgium, I now work throughout Washington State from my home base in Port Orchard, helping horses and riders find the right saddle fit for their individual needs.
My approach to saddle fitting focuses on comfort, balance, and practical solutions for both horse and rider. Long hours in the saddle ask a lot from our horses (and us), and I believe saddle fit should support freedom of movement and long-term comfort.
I completed the World Class Western Saddle Fitter course with Wendy Winn and am currently continuing my education through the Saddlefit4Life Equine Ergonomics Certification program. Ongoing education and hands-on learning are a core part of how I approach saddle fitting and the horses and riders I work with.
Whether you are struggling with saddle fit, searching for options, or simply wanting to better understand your horse underneath the saddle, I’d be grateful for the opportunity to help.
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Highly Knowledgeable and Thorough
“Sarah has an incredible eye for detail and took the time to really understand both horse and rider. She was patient, thoughtful, and explained everything clearly throughout the fitting process.”
— R. Stevens
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Truly There for the Horse
“Sarah helped me better understand my horse and guided me through finding a saddle that was comfortable and right for both of us. Her support continued even after the fitting.”
— K. Madden
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Exceptional Saddle Fitting Experience
“Sarah was kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient throughout the process. Her understanding of movement and symmetry really sets her apart.”
— S. Shimmick
What is Saddle Fitting?
Horse assessment – standing & in motion
Helps identify stiffness, restriction, and asymmetry that can be linked to saddle fit.
Back & shoulder measurements
Ensures the saddle tree and panels match your horse’s shape instead of fighting it.
Saddle & pad evaluation
Checks balance, pressure points, gullet clearance, and how the pad interacts with the saddle.
Clear, unbiased recommendations
I’m independent. You get honest feedback and practical options that put your horse’s comfort first.
Saddle fitting is the process of ensuring a saddle correctly matches a horse's back and the rider's needs, distributing weight evenly to prevent pain, injury, and performance issues, allowing the horse freedom to move, and improving rider communication.
FAQs
What happens during a saddle fitting?
A full saddle fitting includes evaluating your horse’s movement, muscle development, saddle support area, current tack, and overall balance for both horse and rider. I also assess the saddle itself to help determine what is working, what is not, and what practical next steps make sense for your situation.
Do you sell saddles?
Yes. During fittings, I offer access to select new and consignment saddles that can be tried directly on your horse during the appointment.
I also work together with High Tail Tack and K&S Saddlery for used saddle options, allowing riders to trial multiple saddles during their fitting based on their horse, riding goals, and budget.
What makes an independent saddle fitter different?
As an independent saddle fitter, I am not tied to one single saddle brand. This allows me to focus on what works best for the individual horse and rider rather than trying to sell one specific type of saddle.
Not sure if your saddle fits?
Horses often show subtle behavioral or physical changes long before pain becomes obvious. This free one-page checklist helps you recognize common red flags that may indicate saddle discomfort, and when it’s time to call a professional fitter.