Thanks very much for inviting me to your barn.  In an effort to aid organization and help things run smoothly, here’s a time-tested list of guidelines that I find extremely useful.  Please review these, and feel free to make copies and post these prominently in your barn, hand them out, e-mail them – whatever method you feel is best to make people aware.

Saddle Fitting / Barn Call Guidelines

Please note:  Barn call charge for visits more than 50 miles away is $350.00; visits less than 50 miles away is $250.00.  This charge is split evenly between all participants.

1)     Each fitting appointment is 30 minutes; appointments for a template (tracing) and photos are 15 min.  Please schedule  appointments every 15 or 30 minutes; they should run consecutively with no gaps. 

2)     It’s very helpful if you’re ready to go a little before your scheduled time – that is, tacked up (if you’re going to ride) or horse in the ties and saddle ready for me to look at (if I’m doing a static fit, evaluation or template).  If you have multiple saddles, allow 1 hr. per appointment. 

3)     Please remember there’s a maximum of 8 appointments per visit, with a maximum of 16 saddles total.

4)      I’m afraid I can’t evaluate or work on your saddle if you aren’t on the schedule.  I’d be happy to set up an appointment with you for another time, or if another participant has cancelled, you are welcome to take their spot (see below).

5)     If you’re unable to keep your appointment, please either give me 24 hours’ notice (800 / 442-9672 or kitt@trumbullmtn.com) or find someone to fill your spot; otherwise, please be aware that you’ll still be responsible for your share of the barn call.

6)     Repairs and complete re-flocks need to come back to the shop with me. We can ship the saddle back ($35 shipping charge), or you can come to the shop to pick it up.  Time and cost estimates available on request.

7)     It’s very easy to run late if you’re trailering in.  I want to be fair to everyone, but I have to give consideration to clients who are ready at their scheduled time. If you’re running late, please call the host barn to notify.  If you’re more than 15 min. late for your appointment, you will have two options:  You can wait for a break (which often happens), or for the end of the day.  I will do my best to accommodate you if time allows.  Or, you may re-schedule for another time (please note that you will still be responsible for your portion of the barn call charge).

8)     Please understand that I cannot bring saddles for people to try.  If you can send a template and photos to the shop prior to my visit (or if you have tried a specific saddle someone bought from us and you know it works for you and your horse), we can ship saddles to you prior to my visit, and I’d be happy to assess the fit while I’m there.  If you’re unsure of your ability to take an accurate template and photos, I’m happy to do it for you (there is a $35 charge), and send (or you can pick up) saddles for trial.  If you’re interested in having someone bring saddles to your barn to try, we’d be happy to accommodate you; please call the shop at 800/442-9672 to make arrangements.

9)  Note to the organizer:  It’s helpful to me to receive a schedule three or four days prior to my visit, with each person’s name, time, description of service needed (i.e., template and photos, re-flock, evaluation), and e-mail address or phone number (form below).  That way, I can contact each person to confirm and save you a little organizational work!