The Cheshire Horse Saddle Trial Program

At The Cheshire Horse, we pride ourselves on matching equestrians with quality, well-fitting saddles that meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Many of our customers are excited to learn the vast majority of the new and used saddles that we carry are included in our generous seven-day trial program. Keep reading to learn more about the trial program and discover why so many equestrians choose to make their saddle purchases at The Cheshire Horse.

The Cheshire Horse Saddle Trial Program

All of our new and used English and Western saddles are eligible for our saddle trial program (some restrictions apply, such as special order saddles). We encourage you to take the saddle to the barn, try it on your horse, and take it for a ride to determine if it is the right fit for you and your horse. If you have questions regarding saddle fit, we are happy to help our local customers set up an appointment with our certified saddle fit specialist.

The saddle trial length is seven days for all saddles that you pick up from the store. If you need to have the saddle shipped to you, we will extend the trial length to 14 days to allow you ample time to test out your potential saddle properly. We ask for a fully refundable deposit of the entire purchase price of the saddle.

If the saddle fits both you and your horse, we make the purchase process easy. Simply call or email our friendly staff to let them know you will be keeping the saddle, then head to the barn and tack up for a ride! If, for whatever reason, the saddle is not the best saddle for you, simply notify us and return the saddle to the store. After the saddle has been looked over, we will refund your credit card for the deposit.  

We invite you to shop our selection of new English saddles (all-purpose, children’s, close contact, dressage, endurance, jumping, and treeless) and new Western saddles (including barrel racing, youth, synthetic, trail, and western endurance). We also carry an extensive selection of used English saddles and used Western saddles on consignment, which is a great way to purchase a new-to-you saddle at a low price point. We carry a wide range of saddles, pricing from $150 to over $3,000, from all of your favorite tack brands, including Bates, Wintec, Circle Y, Ovation, and Arena Saddles.

All of the new English saddles include free shipping with their purchase, Western saddles will incur overweight shipping charges. Customers are responsible for all shipping charges on our extensive used saddle selection. If you elect to return a saddle, you are responsible for the return shipping charges (insurance is recommended).

Tips and Tricks

We ask that you return the saddle in the same condition that you received it. We have compiled a quick list of suggestions that will help you keep the saddle looking it’s very best.

• Wrap Your Leathers: For English saddles, we recommend wrapping the stirrup leathers with a soft covering to prevent them from creating abrasions on the flaps. Knee socks with the tip of the toe cut off work, as well as polo wraps and vet wrap, work exceptionally well for this purpose
• Appropriate Attire: Jeans, particularly jeans with detailing and bling on the pockets, can rub or damage the saddle seat. Consider riding in a pair of breeches or jodhpur pants to avoid marking the saddle.
• Stay Safe: Saddles are an investment. We ask that you keep the saddle in a locked tack room or house when it is not in use to safeguard against potential theft.
• Clean Slate: Keep the saddle covered whenever possible to keep it clean and protect it from scratches and dings. Many of the saddles come with covers, but if yours does not, use a soft towel or flannel sheet. If you need to clean the saddle, use only a damp cloth to wipe it down. Do not use saddle cleaners, oils, or conditioning products if you plan to return the saddle.

All of our saddles are available for a one-week (seven days) trial. This gives you the opportunity to try the saddle on your horse, sit in the saddle, and see if it works for you and your horse. If, for any reason, the saddle does not meet your needs, simply return the saddle in its original condition to the store for a full refund. If you wish to have the saddle shipped to you, you will receive an extended trial period of two weeks (14 days). A full deposit is required, and you will be responsible for all shipping charges, including return shipping, if the saddle does not meet your needs. We encourage you to insure the saddle during the return shipping process. The Cheshire Horse is not responsible for any lost packages or damages sustained in return shipping. Failure to return the saddle within the trial window will result in the client being charged the full purchase price of the saddle if the saddle is returned damaged, we will charge you accordingly. During the trial period, you take full responsibility for the saddle and are liable for any damage that occurs. If you have any additional questions regarding our saddle trial program, please call us at 877-358-3001.