Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose a Schleese Saddle?

  • Six Reasons To Make Schleese Your Saddle Of Choice
  • Schleese's researched definition of long term and short term fit.
  • Patented AdapTree
  • Unbelievable freedom & comfort for your horse
  • Fully certified Saddlers available to check YOUR saddle at YOUR location. (link to Service Visit page)
  • A full service Distribution and Service Network
  • State of the art fitting tools including our tree machine, SaddleTech®, and flexible curve with level.
    • *Ongoing association with other equine specialists, such as massage therapists, veterinarians, chiropractors, physiotherapists, farriers, etc.

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    What makes a Schleese Custom Saddle unique when compared to any other "custom" saddle?

    The Schleese patented AdapTree is utilized in our entire line of custom saddles. We call our saddles 'non-disposable' because Schleese saddles can be adjusted to conform to the changes your horse will go through as he ages, matures, and muscles up. Not only can the tree width be adjusted to fit the withers, but the panel will also be reflocked.

    It is also important that your saddle fits you as the rider - the rider has many more points of reference to fit than the horse does, and if the rider is not comfortable in the saddle, the horse will never perform optimally no matter how well the saddle fits the horse.

    The AdapTree is unique among the 'flex trees' available on the market in that it 'adapts' to the horse's movement. Most flex trees will only bend in one direction (front to back), but the AdapTree will also torque across the diagonal to reflect the horse's motion.

    Further customization in the saddle is reflected in the design of the seat (foam is added for personal comfort), the flaps, the depth/balance of the seat, the length and position of the stirrup bars and of course the types and colours of leather used.

    Points of consideration for saddle fit for the Rider

    Gender: seat width, twist, waist, and seat depth

    Spinal Curvature: air pocket, waist, cup seat

    Weight: flexibility of tree, to allow the most important aid, seat, weight to communicate with ease to the horse.

    Hip Size: seat width, seat length, seat depth

    Height: centre of balance, seat size, flap length

    Leg Length: length of flap, stirrup bar position, angulation of flap

    Thigh Circumference: seat size, through opening on saddle, belly length, flap width

    Horse Size: saddle size, flap angulation, panel length, panel choice, balance of seat

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    I ordered a saddle but circumstances require me to return it or change my order. What is the cancellation policy and what are my options?

  • Our Cancellation Policy
  • To put your saddle on Temporary Hold, please notify us in writing and it will be no problem.
  • To change your order to suit your new circumstances please notify us in writing and it will be no problem.
    • *Sell your finished saddle on Consignment

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    What are my payment options or discounts available?

  • You can pay for your saddle with a personal cheque or use a major Credit Card, Visa or MasterCard. A 50% deposit is required on all new saddle orders and full payment is required before your finished saddle is delivered or shipped.
  • We offer demonstration saddles for sale that are discounted below the new saddle price.
  • A Trade-In is possible on a new saddle order if the following conditions are met:
  • Preferably less than 5 years old (at our discretion, depending on individual saddle condition)
  • Saddle must be sound and in good condition - no broken trees.
    • *Generally only JES and Schleese saddles will be accepted unless saddle was originally purchased from Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd.

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    I have heard that I could "earn" my saddle. How do I do that?

    You can work with Schleese to become a clinic organizer and earn coupons, ambassador credits and personal discounts, depending on the number of saddlefit sessions you wish to schedule. Please call Linda Haughton at 800-225-2242 ex. 32 for further details or email her at lhaughton@schleese.com for further information!

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    I ordered a saddle and I have some specific questions.

  • Contact your sales representative can help you with these questions.
  • Please call us our corporate headquarters toll free at 1-800-225-2242.
  • You can send us an email at info@schleese.com.
  • Our local number is 905-898-8335 and our fax number is 905-898-8399.

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    How do I make sure that my saddle fits?

  • Check out the Schleese "7 points of saddle fit".
    • The 7 Points of Saddle Fit
    The following seven points should be checked on the saddle without using a pad, fittings or rider on top.The horse must stand squarely on level ground.
    Balance Centre of seat should lie parallel to floor on horses back
    Straightness Saddle should not fall to one side when viewed from behind; tree points should be behind both shoulder blades.
    Wither Clearance Clearance at the withers should be 2 to 3 fingers all around (guideline only for normal withers). Mutton withers will have more fingers; extra high withers will have less finger clearance.
    Gullet Width 2-3 fingers all along back. Wide enough not to interfere with spinal processes, musculature of horses back or dorsal ligament system.
    Full Panel Contact Should touch horses back evenly all the way from front to back; no rocking or hollowness (some models may curve up at the rear to allow horses back to come up when engaged).
    Billet Alignment Should hang perpendicular to ground so that the girth is not angled.
    Shoulder Alignment Panel points should be flush with shoulder.

    • Scientific research has shown that the #1 saddle-fitting problem is pinching of the withers, which restricts movement of the horse and causes tightness in their backs. Read more about saddle fitting in our articles in the Resource section.

      • Click on "pre-register for your saddlefit session" in the side skin, or look at arranging a saddlefit session in your area together with us.
      • Call us at 1-800-225-2242 to request a service visit or find out when and where the nearest clinic to you is being held by checking out our on-line schedule. Our local number is 905-898-8335 and our fax number is 905-898-8399

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    How do I extend the life of my saddle?

    *Read the article under resources called "The Proper Care and Maintenance of my Investment" for details.

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    How do I keep my warranty and fit guarantee?

    Your order evaluation form defines our warranty and fit guarantee. Refer to the back of your form for this information.

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    How can I experience the financial and emotional rewards available to me through Schleese?

    Your dedication to maintaining proper saddle fit plays a key role in the Circle of Influence. Click on the side skin to "Discover the Benefits for Trainers and Students" for further information.

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