Our saddle fitting service
Henry James saddles
Fitted to your horse. Fitted to you.
Three saddles, built on an adjustable tree and fitted at your yard by our own fitters. Then looked after as your horse changes.
Mono flap jump
Momentum
Close contact, security and freedom of movement over fences and across country.
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Dual flap jump
Elevation
A traditional two-flap jump saddle that suits a wide variety of horses and riders.
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Dressage
Harmony
Elegance, performance and comfort, with the seat set up for your position.
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Mono flap
One flap. Closer to your horse.
A mono flap saddle has a single flap instead of a separate saddle flap and sweat flap. With less leather between your leg and your horse, you get a closer, clearer feel.
The Momentum is built on the same adjustable tree as the rest of our range, with a choice of foam or Jacob's wool flocked panels, and the flap and seat set up for you.
The fitting
What we assess
A saddle has to fit two of you. So your fitter looks at your horse, at you, and at the saddle with you both together.
Your horse
- Their conformation and the shape of their back, which we template
- Their withers and shoulders, so the saddle gives them room to move
- The length of back the saddle can sit on
- The headplate shape and width that suits their build
- How the panels sit along their back
You
- Where your leg naturally sits, to set the flap length and how forward it's cut
- Seat size and seat depth
- What you ride, whether that's jumping, dressage or both
- How the saddle balances with you on board
- How it feels to you once you're riding
The tree
Built around their shape
A Thoroughbred and a cob shouldn't have the same headplate shape. Our headplates come in different shapes as well as widths, from narrow to extra wide, so the tree suits your horse's build.
When your horse changes, your fitter can swap the headplate and adjust the panels at your yard. Every tree comes with a 3-year warranty.
The panels
Foam or wool. Your choice.
Every Henry James saddle comes with a choice of panel. Your fitter will work with you to decide which suits your horse best, and both can be adjusted on site at your yard.
Foam panels
Close contact panels that let you sit closer to your horse, for a clearer feel and connection.
Adjusted on site at your yard
Jacob's wool flocked panels
Traditional flocked panels, filled with Jacob's wool, for riders and horses who prefer wool.
Flocking adjusted on site at your yard
Free saddle trial
Try it on your horse first
It all happens at your yard, with your horse. There's no commitment to buy, and if our saddle isn't right for your horse, your fitter will tell you honestly.
Step 01We come to your yard
Your fitter brings saddles, headplates and tools to you.
Step 02We assess and template
So we know the shape we're fitting, not just the size.
Step 03We adjust it at your yard
Headplates and panels are set up for your horse there and then.
Step 04You ride it, then decide
We check the saddle with you on board, and you see how it feels.
Ordering
Made for you, then delivered
Once you've chosen your saddle and options, it's made to your specification. Your fitter then comes back to fit it at your yard.
Aftercare
Once it's yours
Topline and fitness change a horse's back through the season. Our saddles are built so the fit can be adapted as that happens, without the saddle leaving your yard.
Part exchange
Trade in your current saddle
Changing to a Henry James saddle? We can take your current saddle in part exchange. Tell us about it and we'll come back to you with a valuation.
- Fill in the form with your saddle's details
- We'll reply by email and ask for a few photos
- We'll send you a valuation to put towards your new saddle
Good to know
Your questions
Is the saddle trial free?
Yes. Your fitter comes to your yard, fits a saddle to your horse and you ride in it. There's no commitment to buy.
What do I need to have ready?
Your horse in, groomed and on a level surface where your fitter can see them stand and move, plus your riding kit so you can try the saddle.
Do you offer foam or wool panels?
Both. You can choose foam panels or Jacob's wool flocked panels, and your fitter will work with you to decide which suits your horse. Foam panels and flocking can both be adjusted on site at your yard.
How long will my saddle take?
Our typical lead time is 12 weeks from order to delivery. Your fitter then comes to fit it at your yard.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. The saddle tree has a 3-year warranty and the materials have a 12-month warranty.
Can I part exchange my current saddle?
Yes. Fill in the part exchange form on this page with your saddle's details and we'll come back to you with a valuation to put towards your new saddle.
What aftercare do you offer?
Your post-purchase check is free. After that, your fitter will recommend when your next visit is due, usually every 3 to 6 months, and each follow-up fitting is £70.
Can the saddle be adjusted if my horse changes shape?
Yes. The headplate can be swapped, and the foam panels or flocking adjusted, by your fitter at your yard. We can't promise one saddle will suit a horse for life, but there's far more room to adapt the fit than with a fixed saddle.
How much do your saddles cost?
Saddles start from £3,200. Interest-free finance is available. Credit subject to status.
Free saddle trial
See it on your horse
Tell us a little about you and your horse and one of our fitters will be in touch to arrange a time to come to your yard.
Saddles from £3,200. Interest-free finance available. Credit subject to status. Henry James Saddles Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd, t/a Ideal4Finance. Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd is a credit broker and not a lender (FRN 703401).
