Centaur Bodyworks

SERVICES
SADDLE FITTING

SADDLE FITTING AND RE-FLOCKING involves either addition or removal of wool flocking from the saddle's panels in order to customize the fit to a specific horse's back. The Saddle Fitter will use Templates, a paper map of the horse's back, and other extraneous information such as ridden evaluations and gait assessment to further assist in the fitting. It will usually take approximately 2 hours for a Saddle Fitter to fit a saddle initially, which includes the ridden evaluation and measurements. Subsequent fittings of the same horse and saddle combination usually take only 30 minutes. Saddles should be fit or checked, depending on your riding schedule, as follows:
5 hours or more per week : 3-4 times per year
2-4 hours per week: 1-2 times per year

Factors that will influence fit are poor conformation, rider interference, type of saddle rack and/or storage of saddle, use on other horses, types of flocking, mounting and dismounting, saddle pads, etc. For instance, a rider that mounts without a mounting block can adversely affect the flocking in a saddle, causing it to lean to the left. Even if the Saddler fixes it, as soon as the rider mounts the horse again from the ground, he or she has undone all the Saddler's work. Much care must be taken to insure that the flocking remains untouched by everything except for the horse's back for which it is intended.

Many intricate, time-intensive steps go into perfecting a saddle's fit.
Here's what we do:

As with anything we do with horses, we try to be keenly aware of their reactions. They will tell us, better than any diagnostic test, how a saddle feels on their back.
We make detailed templates of the horse's back. These templates act as a map for customizing the saddle, show asymmetrical development, and chart the horse's growth and progress over time.
We evaluate the saddle on and off of the horse's back. The main points we look for are:

If the saddle bridges. This is a major problem with wooden spring trees, the most popular tree available in the world today. The action of the spring moves the flocking to the front and back of the saddle, creating a "bridge" where the rider sits. Active riders (classified as 5 or more hours of riding per week) can expect to need to re-flock their saddles every 9 - 12 weeks to prevent their horse from becoming back sore.
If the saddle panels exhibit uneven pressure or have areas that flocking has become clumped or lumpy.
If the saddle's center of gravity matches the horse's. When this is off, riders will feel as if they are being pitched forward or being left behind.
If panel width, angles, and contact points fit the horse's needs. The saddle needs to sit on the horse's true ribs, which start approximately 4 inches from the center of their spine. Most times, flocking can be maneuvered to allow for the proper fit.
If gullet width and angles are correct.
If the bar is the correct length for the size of the horse.
If rigging is correct and for the presence of point billets.
Tree condition- is it broken or twisted?
Panel alignment- are they sewed on straight?
Does the rocker match the horse's back?
Do the panels have a sufficient flair to allow the scapula complete and unrestricted range of motion?
Are there at least 2 fingers of clearance under the entire gullet?
Does the rider lean to one side, mount from the ground, or use a saddle that is not made for their discipline (i.e. a jumping saddle for dressage work), or are there any other factors that will impede saddle fit?

We then re-flock the saddle according to our templates and findings.
After the initial re-flocking, the saddle goes back on the horse for another evaluation. When the saddle is perfectly fit to the standing horse, we have the rider ride the horse and we go back through our entire checklist while the horse is in motion. At this time, we also evaluate the saddle's fit with the rider in mind.
After the ride, we check the sweat patterns on the horse's back for further information. If the saddle needs further touch-up, now is the time.
We repeat steps 3-6 until the owner is happy with the fit of the saddle.

Amanda working at Reitsport Petersen, East Germany

Amanda and Master Saddler
Mikael Zach-Petersen at his Saddlery Shoppe in Arensdorf, Germany

Amanda and Mikael
clowning around at the shoppe

Centaur BodyWorks' virgin wool from England

The bad wool. Notice how it clumps?

Amanda and Master Saddler Mikael Petersen working in Germany

PRICING & FEES:

Centaur BodyWorks accepts CASH and CHEQUES as payment. Returned checks due to insufficient funds will be charged an additional $35. We offer monthly Billing on an individual basis and Payment Consolidations for clients with several horses.
NO CALL or NO SHOW APPOINTMENTS: $45, plus travel fees if applicable
PRO BONO WORK: Scheduled at Centaur BodyWorks' discretion. Appointment times for Pro Bono work are considered tentative and approximate and will defer to paying clients.

CLIENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INFORMATION, RULES, & NOTICES POSTED ON THIS WEBSITE. PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION.

PLEASE NOTE
CENTAUR BODYWORKS EQUINE THERAPY CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WEAR (NORMAL OR ABNORMAL) OF STITCHES AND LEATHER PRODUCTS FOR ANY REASON. BY CONTRACTING OUR SERVICES, CLIENTS AUTOMATICALLY RELEASE CENTAUR BODYWORKS FROM ANY LIABILITY DUE TO BROKEN SADDLE OR BRIDLE GOODS, REGARDLESS OF THE REASON. WE STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF
CHECKING BILLET STITCHES, GIRTH STRAPS, AND BRIDLE PARTS BEFORE EACH RIDE.

SADDLE CONSULTATIONS: $80
Do you know if your saddle fits your horse? We do. Using a detailed map of your horse's back (called Templates), our saddle expert will show you exactly how your saddle fits. Perfect for riders looking to buy a new saddle. Multiple saddles are encouraged with no increase of fee. Our saddle expert will show you the pros and cons of each and allow the rider to make an educated decision before buying.

SADDLE FITTING & REFLOCKING- INITIAL VISIT
(WITHOUT MASSAGE PACKAGE PURCHASE): $140
On-site custom fitted to your horse. Includes 4 weeks of FREE touch-ups (one per week, travel fees may apply). Riding 3-5 hours per week? You need your saddle checked for fit. Forget loading your horse and spending hours on the road! Don't "do without" your saddle while someone in another state who has never seen your horse "fixes" it! We come to you, and in 2 hours, you will have a great fitting saddle and a happy horse! Using our Templates, we measure and customize your saddle specifically for you and your horse.

SADDLE FITTING & REFLOCKING- INITIAL VISIT
(WITH MASSAGE PACKAGE PURCHASE): $105
Discounted price for massage package holders. Includes Templates. Includes 4 weeks of FREE touch-ups (one per week, travel fees may apply). Your horse will REALLY love you! Get him one of our massage packages and get your INITIAL saddle fitting DISCOUNTED! Allow 2 hours for initial fitting.

MAINTENANCE REFLOCKING- RETURN VISITS: $70
For repeat clients with same horse/saddle combination, after the first 4 weeks. Riding 3-5 hours a week is tough on your saddle. You can bet your horse is developing muscles too. Touch-up your saddle's fit without breaking the bank and prevent back pain from becoming an issue. Short on time? Most appointments take less than 30 minutes!

TREE ADJUSTMENT: $250
Certain brands only. Please call for more information.

SHIPPING GUIDELINES
While it is preferable to physically see the Horse and Rider for which the saddle is to be fitted, Centaur BodyWorks does, on a special case by case basis, do saddle fittings from abroad. Please call Amanda at 813.486.2253 prior to shipping to ensure a quick turnaround. Allow 4-10 business days, although most saddles are returned in 4-7 days. Centaur BodyWorks suggests insurance for the full amount of your saddle, and cannot be held responsible for Postal mistakes or losses. Shipping and packaging fees will be added to the total bill. Include your name, phone number, return address, and type of saddle.
Ship your saddle to:
          Centaur BodyWorks
          11632 Innfields Drive
          Odessa, FL 33556

TRAVEL TIME & DEMO FEES: $45 per hour
Travel fees may apply for each individual at the discretion of our therapists. Travel fees will be broken down between clients in similar areas whenever possible. Please call for group discounts. However, Centaur BodyWorks does not require a certain number of people to work in an area.

Demo time for saddles charged at $45/hour, beginning when the Saddle Fitter arrives at your barn. Please have your horse in from the field and brushed down.