Oonagh Endersby - D’Alton Saddle Fitting

22/01/2026

And for the dressage riders, these beautiful new saddles. I have my eye on one of these for my horse. So comfortable to sit in and a really balanced feeling

Every detail of the Kontinuum dressage range is designed to support a more natural rider balance.
By subtly repositioning the pelvis, the saddle encourages an aligned leg, improved comfort, and enhanced close contact — offering a guided yet adaptable seat for riders who value freedom of movement.

22/01/2026

09/01/2026

Lovely new models to update the iconic K2. If you want to try these let me know

06/01/2026

January 2026, new year and new beginnings.

Available services:
Fittings of new, ex demo and good quality second hand saddles
Checks of current saddles
On site alterations to rebalance and adjust fit of your saddle
Popular brand gullet bars carried in all sizes

New brands available
Albion Saddlemakers Co. Ltd
Fairfax Saddles
Kent & Masters Saddles
Thorowgood Saddles

Plus access to The Saddle Bank stock for other brands including new Cavaletti Collection, Amerigo and Equipe as well second hand

Accessories include:
Prolite pads and girths
Kent & Masters girths
Fairfax girths and bridles
Mattes pads
Frank Baines girths
Sprenger Equestrian bits

Please get in touch to book your appointment via Messenger or WhatsApp or phone 07930464123

Oonagh has many years experience working as a human and equine bodyworker which brings a wealth of understanding to her saddle fitting.

Oonagh is qualified and registered with The Society of Master Saddlers and listed on the Equine Fitters Directory

06/01/2026

A very clear explanation. I am a SMS Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter and also on the Equine Fitters Directory. I am not a Saddler but work closely with one for repairs when needed

Right. Let’s kick off 2026 with a Very Important One.
WHAT is the difference between a saddler and a saddle fitter?

Because honestly… this question causes more confusion than when someone shouts 'loose horse!' in the lorry park.

The short answer:
👉 A 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿 makes saddles.
👉 A 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 fits saddles.

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk. …but also, let’s go a tiny bit deeper.

Why everyone is confused (and it’s not your fault):
Both professions sit under the same governing body (the 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀), so people understandably assume:
'If it says Master Saddler, that must be who fits my saddle?'
🚨 Plot twist: not necessarily 🚨

So… what does a Saddler actually do?
👑A 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿 is a highly skilled leather wizard/genius (think Harry Potter with an awl instead of a wand-y thing).

They:
Make saddles
Repair saddles
Do major structural work (eg new trees, big rebuilds, serious surgery)
(they also do bridles, harnesses and stuff but this post is all about saddles)

A 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿 is someone who has reached Master status in saddlery (think Dumbledore* with an awl)

👑And a 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿?
A Saddle Fitter is trained in the dark art of actually fitting the saddle to your horse (and you!) and adjusting it accordingly.

Modern SMS Qualified Saddle Fitters are also qualified to:
Adjust flocking
Do full reflocks
Make fit tweaks
Often do minor repairs

A 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 = someone who’s reached Master status in 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴.

Different skillset. Different exams. Different magic 🧙‍♀️

Can someone be both?
Yes!
Some people are dual-qualified unicorns 🦄
They can be both a Saddler and a Saddle Fitter.

But not everyone is. And that’s fine.

The takeaway (tattoo this on your brain):
🛠 Big repairs/new trees/major work? → Call a Saddler
📏 Fitting/balance/flocking/adjustments? → Call a Saddle Fitter
🤝 Sometimes they work together. Like the Avengers. But leather-based.

More myth-busting, saddle tea-spilling and horse-y nonsense coming very soon ☕🐴 Because education is great... but education that actually makes sense? Even better.

*apologies if the Harry Potter references don't work, I have never watched one before and had to ask my kids who told me the reference is wrong cos apparently Dumbledore isn't a better wizard than Harry... But you get the gist... hopefully?

22/12/2025

Thorowgood Saddles have done a fab job upgrading the range to the T9. Super pleased with how this fitted today

16/12/2025

Demos landing with me soon. Let me know if you'd like to try these in the New Year
Oonagh Endersby

12/12/2025

These saddles are just gorgeous!

19/10/2025

As we move into Autumn I have some spaces open in November. Please get in touch to book in for

🐴 Checks of your current saddle
🐴 Onsite adjustments to flock and gullet width
🐴 Supply and fit new, ex demo and quality second hand saddles

Saddle brands available Albion, Fairfax, Kent & Masters, Thorowgood plus in partnership with Crewe Saddlery GFS, GFS Monarch, Arena and Wintec.
I am also one of the listed fitters with The Saddle Bank.

With 23 years experience as a bodyworker for people I can help to get you as a rider more comfortable and balanced in the saddle.
Also with 18 years experience as a bodyworker for horses my main priority is to get the best comfort and fit for your horse.

Weekday and early evening appointments available subject to facilities and lighting as the nights draw in.

07/09/2025

Had a fascinating time at Hartpury for the Spinal Dissection day. Always learning and good to catch up with fellow fitters

19/08/2025

Thanks for your patience while I've been recovering from a badly sprained ankle, non horse related. I have many people to reschedule and will be getting you all back in the diary very soon! Picture of my lovely mare who has also had to take a break Oonagh