Independent Saddle Fitter in West Sussex, Surrey & Hampshire
Expert Saddle Fitting for Horse Comfort & Rider Performance
Improving movement, balance, and wellbeing through correct saddle fit and biomechanics.
With over 30 years of equestrian experience, Ian and Kate provide independent saddle fitting focused on horse comfort, rider balance, and performance. Poor saddle fit can cause pain, restricted movement, and behavioural issues – our approach identifies and resolves these problems through precise fitting, flocking, and biomechanical assessment.
Based near Chichester, West Sussex, we cover Sussex, Hampshire, and Surrey, offering saddle sales, fitting, flocking, and integrated horse and rider sports therapy.
supported by
- Independent, unbiased advice
- IASF Qualified Saddle Fitter (Level 4)
- Equine bodyworker since 2008
- Calm, horse-first approach
Saddle fitting & regular checks
learn more about my saddle fitting process
Saddle Flocking
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Sports therapy for riders
learn about our rider balance sessions
Saddle Fit and Equine Anatomy
A horse’s back is a complex structure made up of vertebrae, ribs, muscles, and soft tissue, all designed to allow movement rather than tolerate restriction. The saddle sits in close contact with key muscle groups, including the longissimus dorsi, and must be positioned carefully in relation to anatomical landmarks such as the scapula and the last thoracic vertebra (T18).
A saddle that interferes with shoulder movement, sits outside the appropriate area of the back, or applies uneven pressure can affect comfort, muscle development, and the horse’s way of going over time.
Saddle Fit and Biomechanics
Saddle fit directly influences how a horse moves.
Restrictions through the shoulder, imbalance in the saddle, or concentrated pressure can alter stride length, back use, and overall posture. These changes are often subtle at first but can lead to compensatory movement patterns, muscle tension, or behavioural signs if left unaddressed.
Professional saddle fitting considers how the horse moves dynamically, not just how the saddle appears when the horse is standing still.
by Ian Phillips
Alex Carey
He’s incredibly knowledgeable and takes the time to really watch you and your horse in action. Ian assesses how you move together, picking up subtle details and explaining how these influence saddle fit, balance, and overall performance in a clear, practical way.
Kate Chegwidden
Ian works with both rider and horse as a complete partnership, understanding the needs of each. He observes how they move together, offering clear insights into saddle fit and making adjustments that support comfort, performance, and long-term soundness.
Anthea Chambers
Ian has picked up small but important issues with our riding school ponies and their saddles over the years. His attention to detail and practical advice has helped keep them comfortable, working well, and performing consistently.
George
My thoroughbred is big, scopey and tall withered, so it was useful having Ian in the arena wathcing us rider and assessing the finer points of his movement and how that affected this saddle fit and reqirements.