Saddles and Bridles
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At Clansman Saddlery, we believe every horse deserves equipment that fits perfectly, performs beautifully, and lasts a lifetime.
Whether you’re looking for expert saddle fitting, professional bridle fitting, or a truly bespoke piece of saddlery, we’re here to help you find the ideal solution for you and your horse.
If you have any questions or would like to book a fitting, please contact us – we’re always happy to offer friendly, professional advice.
Saddle Fitting FAQs
What information should I provide before my appointment?
To help us prepare for your visit, please provide the following details in advance:
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Your name, address, phone number, and the postcode and directions to your yard.
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The number of horses, saddles, and riders to be seen.
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For existing saddles: the make, model, size, and type, and whether they are flocked with wool, felt, or air (if known).
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Horse details: name, age, height, breed/type, discipline, level of training, and any particular issues or recent changes.
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Rider details: age, height, build, discipline, experience, and any relevant information or challenges.
If you’re unsure about any of the details, don’t worry — include as much as you can, and we’ll confirm the rest during your appointment.
I’m looking for a new saddle —
what extra information should I send?
If you’re interested in purchasing a new saddle, please let us know your budget, requirements, and what activities or disciplines you plan to do with your horse.
Combined with your horse and rider details, this allows Clansman Saddlery to recommend the best options for fit, comfort, and performance.
Who will carry out my saddle fitting?
All fittings are carried out personally by Kieran Forsyth M.A.,
Society of Master Saddlers Registered Master Saddler and Qualified Saddle Fitter.
With over 25 years of experience in saddlery, Kieran brings traditional craftsmanship, professional expertise, and a genuine passion for horse welfare to every fitting.
What brands do you stock?
Clansman Saddlery stocks a wide range of quality saddle brands to suit all budgets, riders, and disciplines — from everyday riders to professionals.
Each brand is carefully chosen for its craftsmanship, reliability, and performance.
You can view our full range on our Brands page.
What facilities and equipment will I need
for my fitting?
Ideally, your fitting should take place in a well-lit arena with parking available nearby for the Clansman Saddlery fitting van (or indoors, if possible).
If you don’t have an arena, a flat paddock or field is suitable — please ensure there are no loose horses, dogs, or children during the appointment.
Please have the following items ready:
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All relevant numnahs, saddle cloths, girths, half pads, and spare headplates (if you have them).
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Your bridle, stirrups, and riding attire (hat, boots, gloves, etc.).
Will I need to ride during my fitting?
Yes. It’s essential that we see you ride your horse in all three paces — and over a small fence if you intend to jump in the saddle.
We always prefer to see the regular rider, rather than a friend or instructor.
Exceptions can be made for young or unbacked horses, horses not yet working in all paces, or those currently being schooled by another rider. Please mention this when booking.
Why do I need to ride during the fitting?
Saddles can appear to fit well when the horse is standing still, but the true test comes when the horse is moving.
Every horse’s movement and every rider’s balance, posture, and build affect how the saddle performs.
By watching you ride, our master saddler can accurately assess how the saddle works dynamically — ensuring comfort, balance, and correct alignment for both horse and rider.
We’re not there to judge your riding, only to help you and your horse perform at your best.
What happens during a saddle fitting?
During your appointment, Clansman Saddlery will:
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Record full details and history of horse and rider.
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Take a template of your horse’s back to track changes over time.
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Assess your horse’s static and dynamic conformation.
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Examine the condition and fit of any existing saddle(s).
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Assess the saddle on the horse for static fit.
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Watch you ride to assess the fit in motion and rider balance.
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Recommend and trial alternative saddles if you are seeking a new one.
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Make adjustments to flocking, girthing, or padding where needed.
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Reassess after adjustments to confirm comfort and fit.
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Provide advice and written notes, including when to schedule your next check.
How often should my saddle be checked?
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New saddles: recheck after 6–12 weeks, depending on workload.
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Routine checks: every 4-5 months.
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Young or developing horses: every 3–4 months for the first two years.
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If the horse wasn’t ridden at the last visit, book a follow-up as soon as it begins ridden work.
How can I pay?
Clansman Saddlery accepts:
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Payment on the day.
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BACS transfer (please ensure payment is made promptly following your appointment)
Still have a question?
We’re always happy to help.
If you’re unsure about anything before or after your appointment, please contact Clansman Saddlery by phone, email, or using the contact form. — we’ll gladly offer friendly and professional advice.
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Why should I have my bridle fitted professionally?
A correctly fitted bridle is just as important as a well-fitted saddle, though it is often less widely recognised. An ill-fitting bridle can place pressure on sensitive areas of the horse’s head and mouth, causing discomfort, stress, and even behavioural issues. Recent research has confirmed that the bridle impacts the horse’s performance as much as the saddle. A professional fitting ensures that every strap and buckle sits correctly, keeping your horse comfortable and responsive.
I bought an off-the-peg bridle — can it be improved?
Every horse is unique, and with standard off-the-peg bridles, it’s common for one part to fit well while another does not. At Clansman Saddlery, we make bridles from individual components rather than selling a single-size complete bridle, ensuring a better fit for each horse.
We can assess your existing bridle on your horse and determine if adjustments are possible. Minor alterations can often improve fit, but significant changes may affect the manufacturer’s warranty. If the leather is not of high quality, we may recommend a replacement rather than modification.
What happens during a bridle fitting?
During your appointment, we will:
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Record full details and history of your horse.
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Assess your horse’s head and mouth conformation, noting asymmetry or other unique features.
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Examine existing bridles for condition and fit. Adjustments are made where possible, and any necessary alterations are recommended. If alterations are required, your bridle may be taken back to the workshop for completion.
If you are looking for a new bridle:
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We can fit Fairfax or Bliss bridles, both UK-made from English bridle leather. Each bridle is assembled from individual parts for a precise fit. You will ride in the new bridle, usually after warming up in your existing bridle.
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For a made-to-measure bridle, we take detailed measurements and notes on your horse and discipline, creating a bridle that is fully bespoke and tailored to your horse’s needs.
Do you offer bit fitting?
We can advise on bit size and fit, and suggest alternative designs if you experience issues. While we do not currently stock bits for sale, we can recommend options to try.
Remember, the horse ultimately decides which bit is most comfortable, and a trial period of several weeks may be necessary to determine the best fit.
What brands of bridles do you stock?
Clansman Saddlery specialises in bespoke, hand-stitched bridles made from top-quality Sedgewick’s English bridle leather. We can create any style or size to suit your horse.
We also stock and fit Fairfax and Bliss bridles, selecting each component individually to achieve the best possible fit for your horse.
How can I pay?
We accept:
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Cash payment on the day
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BACS transfer – please ensure prompt payment following your appointment
We’re always happy to help.
If you’re unsure about anything before or after your appointment, please contact Clansman Saddlery by phone, email, or using the contact form. — we’ll gladly offer friendly and professional advice.
Still have a question?
"handcrafted from the finest Sedgewick’s English bridle leather and meticulously hand-stitched, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality"
Why Choose a Bespoke Bridle?
Every horse is different, and a standard off-the-peg bridle rarely fits perfectly. A bridle that is too tight, too loose, or improperly designed can cause discomfort, stress, and even behavioural issues. A bespoke bridle ensures:
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Perfect fit for your horse’s head and mouth conformation.
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Comfortable and balanced riding, helping your horse perform at its best.
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Durability and quality, with materials and stitching built to last.
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Tailored design to suit your discipline, whether dressage, showing, hunting, or general riding.
Our Bespoke Bridle Process
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Assessment & Measurements: We record detailed information about your horse’s head shape, mouth, and any asymmetry or unique features.
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Design & Consultation: Discuss your requirements and preferred style — from classic to contemporary designs.
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Custom Assembly: Each bridle is made from individual components, not one-size-fits-all, ensuring precision fit for every part of the bridle.
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Fitting & Adjustment: You and your horse will try the bridle, and we make any minor adjustments required for optimal comfort.
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Finished Bridle: Hand-stitched from the highest quality leather, the bridle is designed to provide long-lasting performance and style.
Bit Advice and Fitting
Although we do not sell bits, we can advise on size, design, and fit, and suggest options to try. A horse may need several rides in a trial bit to determine what suits best — we guide you through this process to ensure comfort and performance.
At Clansman Saddlery, we specialise in creating bespoke bridles designed to suit the unique shape, needs, and discipline of your horse or pony. Every bridle is handcrafted from the finest English bridle leather and meticulously hand-stitched, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.
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Why Work with Clansman Saddlery?
With years of experience in traditional saddlery and modern saddle fitting, our master saddler, Kieran Forsyth ensures every bespoke bridle is crafted with care, precision, and expert knowledge.
We take pride in producing bridles that not only fit perfectly but also enhance the horse-rider connection.
How to Order
To discuss a bespoke bridle or arrange a fitting:
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Provide horse details (size, breed, discipline) and any specific requests for design or materials.
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Decide whether you would like a fully bespoke bridle or a custom-fit Fairfax or Bliss bridle.
Fairfax are renowned for combining traditional British craftsmanship with cutting-edge scientific research. Their saddles are designed to enhance performance by improving comfort and freedom of movement for the horse. Every Fairfax model is rigorously tested using pressure mapping and gait analysis, ensuring a precise fit for each horse and discipline.
Clansman Saddlery proudly fits and supplies Fairfax saddles, tailoring each to the individual needs of horse and rider.
