Saddle Trial Policy

Finding the right saddle is about more than simply finding the right seat size. 

Where available, The Tack House allows prospective buyers to trial selected saddles on-site, subject to the conditions below. 

TRYING A SADDLE AT THE TACK HOUSE 

Customers are welcome, by arrangement, to bring their horse to The Tack House to assess and try eligible saddles. 

Use of our facilities and any saddle trial is undertaken at the rider's own risk. 

The Tack House does not represent itself as a qualified saddle fitter unless a suitably qualified saddle fitter is specifically providing that service. 

It remains the buyer's responsibility to satisfy themselves that a saddle is suitable for their horse and rider. We recommend obtaining professional saddle-fitting advice where appropriate. 

Saddles must stay onsite at The Tack House and cannot leave the property for an extended trial. Prospective buyers are welcome to trial any saddles onsite to ensure rider and horse suitability. 

DURING THE TRIAL RIDE AT THE TACK HOUSE 

• Please treat trial saddles as though they belong to someone else, because they do. 

• Saddles must not be ridden in excessively or in wet or muddy conditions. 

• Saddles must not be altered, repaired, oiled or treated. 

• Saddles must not be scratched, damaged or used in circumstances likely to cause unreasonable wear. 

• We recommend using a clean saddle pad when trialling a saddle. 

If a saddle is materially damaged or returned in a condition that prevents it being sold for its previous value, the person responsible for the trial ride may be liable for the resulting loss, subject to applicable New Zealand law. 

SADDLE FIT 

Approval to have a trial ride in a saddle does not constitute advice or a guarantee from The Tack House that the saddle correctly fits a particular horse or rider. 

Horses change shape and saddle fit can be affected by workload, age, weight, muscle development and other factors. 

For this reason, we recommend professional saddle-fitting advice, particularly for higher-value purchases.