A little about myself....
Hi, my name is Abbi Morten (was Hill), and am a qualified and experienced Saddle Fitter and Saddler.
Specialising in flocking/repacking on-site, I believe this is the best way to solve the issues of saddle fitting. I was originally taught (and some people still are), to take the saddle away and repack after dropping the bottom (panel) out. I have found that it is much better to do the job there and then, and onsite if possible. As I feel it produces a superior result. I can 'check and tweak' by having the rider do a test ride after the repack, and then make final adjustments if needsbe. This means that you, the rider, can give feedback and get the best result for you.
I trained for 2 years at Cordwainers College in London. Then, whilst working for other saddlers and harness makers, I passed the Society of Master Saddlers UK Qualified Saddle Fitter exam.
I then came over to NZ and was working in the upper North Island as a saddle fitter for more than 10 years before taking a break to have a family. During this time, I was a National Saddle Centre (now the English Saddle Centre) agent, fitting and suppling their own brand of saddles. I also checked and repacked any other brands of saddle.
I am now working and living in Kirwee, Canterbury, and back on the road again!
I am a rider, though having two fast growing children means I haven't done as much I would like to recently (gah!). With my old hunter buried at our place now, I walk past the old fella and reminisce of early mornings spent screaming down Omaha beach (see below), and exploring the countryside with the Kaipara hounds...
I realise you have many choices in the Canterbury area for saddle fitters, and look forward to meeting you.
Specialising in flocking/repacking on-site, I believe this is the best way to solve the issues of saddle fitting. I was originally taught (and some people still are), to take the saddle away and repack after dropping the bottom (panel) out. I have found that it is much better to do the job there and then, and onsite if possible. As I feel it produces a superior result. I can 'check and tweak' by having the rider do a test ride after the repack, and then make final adjustments if needsbe. This means that you, the rider, can give feedback and get the best result for you.
I trained for 2 years at Cordwainers College in London. Then, whilst working for other saddlers and harness makers, I passed the Society of Master Saddlers UK Qualified Saddle Fitter exam.
I then came over to NZ and was working in the upper North Island as a saddle fitter for more than 10 years before taking a break to have a family. During this time, I was a National Saddle Centre (now the English Saddle Centre) agent, fitting and suppling their own brand of saddles. I also checked and repacked any other brands of saddle.
I am now working and living in Kirwee, Canterbury, and back on the road again!
I am a rider, though having two fast growing children means I haven't done as much I would like to recently (gah!). With my old hunter buried at our place now, I walk past the old fella and reminisce of early mornings spent screaming down Omaha beach (see below), and exploring the countryside with the Kaipara hounds...
I realise you have many choices in the Canterbury area for saddle fitters, and look forward to meeting you.