Independent Saddle Fitter
What is Saddle Fitting?
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.
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.
My name is Sarah, I am an independent saddle fitter and proud owner of Bucking Belgian Saddle Fitting LLC. Originally from Belgium, I’m now grateful to call Yelm, Washington State home.
I specialize in helping both horse and rider feel comfortable and confident. The right saddlefit allows the horse to move freely and the rider to stay balanced, creating a partnership built on mutual trust
I am trained and mentored by World Class Saddle fitter, Wendy Winn, ensuring that the work I do meets the highest standards in saddle fitting.
When trust grows, performance follows. I’d be grateful for the opportunity to help you and your horse feel and move their best.
FAQs
What Services do you offer?
1
Bucking Belgian Saddle Fitting LLC offers professional saddle fitting services, including full saddle fitting evaluations, mini fit checks, measuring for new saddles, measuring and evaluating consignment saddles, tack maintenance and cleaning, saddle pad evaluation, and educational services. All services focus on horse-first biomechanics, balance, and long-term comfort.
What is your Educational Background?
2
I am trained and mentored by world-class Western saddle fitter Wendy Winn, and I graduated as part of the first cohort of Western Saddle Fitters in Kansas. Ongoing education is a priority for me, and I recently began additional coursework through the Online Academy of Equine Science (OAES) to expand my services to English riders as well.
What is an Independent Saddle Fitter?
3
An independent saddle fitter is not tied to any single saddle brand. This means recommendations are unbiased and horse-first, based on fit, movement, and comfort, not sales. My focus is on evaluating the horse and rider together and finding the safest solution, whether that’s adjusting an existing saddle, exploring different options, or recommending no purchase at all.
Why do you carry Saddle(pad) Brands if you’re independent?
4
Being independent means I’m not tied to one brand or required to sell saddles. I carry a small selection of brands I truly believe in, along with consignment saddles, so I can offer proven options during fitting sessions, without sending clients through a dealer.
Do you have Consignment Saddles?
5
Yes. I have a small selection of consignment saddles that are evaluated for condition, safety, and fit potential. This allows riders to explore quality options at different price points while staying focused on the horse’s needs.
Can I try Consignment Saddles during a fitting?
6
Yes. Depending on availability, consignment saddle try-outs can be included in your fitting session. I do ask that this is mentioned ahead of time, so I can thoughtfully select and bring options that are most likely to suit your horse and rider combination.
What areas do you serve?
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Bucking Belgian Saddle Fitting LLC serves Yelm, Thurston County, Pierce County, Kitsap County, King County and surrounding areas in Washington State. Travel to additional locations may be available by request. Please see my pricing sheet for details. For barn fits (3+ horses), a reduced mileage fee applies.
What if it rains? This is Washington State after all!
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For accurate and safe saddle fitting, footing needs to be dry. If you have an indoor arena or covered, dry space, no rescheduling is needed. Without dry footing, we will reschedule.
