24/09/2025
Why work with an Independent Fitter?
It’s a question we hear often, and the answer always comes back to one thing: the person you trust with your saddle fit should be qualified, experienced, and well-trained—above all else.
The saddle fitting world has a long history of fitters representing one specific brand, and there are many excellent brand fitters out there doing great work. But expertise isn’t defined by a logo. Just because someone represents a brand doesn’t automatically make them the best choice for you, your horse, or your budget.
When you're working with an independent fitter, they aren't tied to a single manufacturer, which means their only allegiance is to the horse and rider in front of them. They bring both skill and objectivity, and often a wider range of options to choose from. And when a specific brand is the right solution, a good independent fitter will happily point you to the right specialist rather than forcing a compromise.
At Nexus, we believe every horse and rider deserves access to a saddle that fits properly, supports comfort and performance, and falls within a budget appropriate for them. Whether it’s a brand-new custom saddle or a carefully maintained and inspected used saddle, what matters most is that it’s inspected, safe, and fitted to you and your horse. And remember, when a reputable fitter sells a used saddle it has been inspected and that fitter will stand by its condition.
It’s also important to recognize that saddle fitting is never black and white. The internet may thrive on absolute “always” or “never” statements, but real horses and riders don’t. Algorithms reward bold claims and division, not nuance—and nuance is the foundation of true saddle fitting.
No two horses are built alike. No two riders sit exactly the same way. Even my identical twin and I prefer different saddles despite being as close physically as two people can get. Fitting is both science and art: applying technical training while listening to what the horse and rider communicate in real time. It’s about observation, adaptability, and a willingness to say, “it depends on the horse in front of me.”
At Nexus Saddlery, we stand for connection over division. That means open dialogue, respect for individuality, and a commitment to professionalism rooted in care and expertise. Whether you choose to work with a well trained brand representative or an independent fitter, our goal is the same: we want safe, well-fitted saddles to be accessible to every horse and rider, regardless of budget—because the horse doesn’t care about brand names or price tags. The horse cares about comfort, balance, and freedom to move.
