Victoria Birt - Equestrian Events & Saddle Fitting

14/08/2026

It’s amazing how many converted saddles I’m seeing out there!
Individual trees are designed to be supported by the panels the manufacturer has paired them with. They have done so for a reason.

Panel failure after a “foam to wool conversion” on a French saddle. THIS IS NEVER ACCEPTABLE and is NOT A SERVICE THAT SHOULD BE OFFERED LIGHTLY. To convert a foam panel to wool an entirely new panel has to be built which is a skill that is out of most layman fitter or basic tack repairman skill sets. Don’t waste your money and risk ruining your saddle and most importantly, your horse.

01/08/2026

With many of our fields looking like the photo below, some horses I’m seeing are losing a little condition.
If you think your horse would benefit from a saddle check and perhaps an adjustment please get in touch.
Limited Saddle Fitting availability for August still and September is starting to fill.
If you would like a saddle check, new fit or adjustment please get in touch.
Good selection of new and second hand saddles
On site adjustments
Saddle Checks
Victoria 07912014970

11/07/2026

06/07/2026

Great to see so many clients enjoying a successful show at Kent County this weekend.
Congratulations to both gorgeous Angus & Luther pictured 🏆

03/07/2026

Shimming for the Dynamic Fit

For too long, saddle fitting has been centred on a single moment in time: the horse standing still.

But horses don't move standing still!
Every stride changes the shape of the back. As the horse engages, the thoracic sling lifts, the ribcage expands, the spine stabilises, and the muscles contract and release in a continuous cycle of movement. A saddle fitted only to the horse's static posture cannot fully accommodate these dynamic changes.

This is where shimming becomes an essential part of a holistic saddle fitting system.

We don't see shims as a way to disguise poor saddle fit. We see them as a way to refine it.

A correctly selected pad provides the foundation, while strategically placed shims create a dynamic interface between the saddle and the horse. They allow subtle adjustments to balance, support changing musculature, and help distribute pressure more evenly as the horse moves. Rather than forcing the horse to adapt to the saddle in motion, shimming allows balance to be created.

This is particularly important for horses that are developing healthy backs, returning from injury, changes with training or posture or presenting with natural asymmetries. Their shape is not fixed, so why should their saddle fit be?

Science continues to demonstrate that movement, muscle development, and pressure distribution are interconnected. A horse that can lift through the back and move without restriction is better able to recruit the correct muscles, develop strength, and perform comfortably. Dynamic saddle fitting supports this process rather than limiting it.

Shimming is not about adding more padding.

It is about recognising that horses are living, changing athletes whose bodies evolve with every ride, every season, and every stage of training.

A truly holistic saddle fit isn't achieved once and forgotten.

It is continually refined.

Because the best saddle fit isn't the one that fits the horse standing still.

It's the one that supports the horse in motion

For any saddle fit enquiries contact Victoria 07912914970
Or message on Facebook

02/07/2026

This beautiful girl is currently being gently brought back into work after having some rehab and retraining. It was great to see her nice and relaxed during her saddle fitting consultation.
We fitted her with a new saddle ready to get back to enjoying time with her owner. We went for an adjustable saddle with soft but supportive lambs wool flocking. She will likely gain top-line muscle over the next few months and as a result little and often flocking adjustments and gullet bar changes will be a fundamental factor aiding her to maintain a healthy back.
I look forward to watching this pairs journey in their perfect saddle.

Contact Victoria Birt Saddle Fitter on 07912014970 Facebook or Instagram

17/06/2026

Excited to now be a stockist of Ideal Saddles.
I’ve especially loved fitting second hand technical & traditional range saddles for some time, so looking forward to having some box fresh new models on offer for my customers 🤩

15/06/2026

In stock now, ideal for all those broad tricky to fit horses!

08/06/2026

Limited July Saddle Fitting Availability Below

05/06/2026

A day of learning about the beautiful Prestige Saddles at The Prestigious Saddlers Hall, meeting other fitters from around the country.
Keeping our knowledge current for our clients and learning about all the new technology suppliers are able to offer for the welfare of our horses.
This is such a fun part of our role.
If you would like to trial ride one of these saddles please get in touch.