We would like to share our news, thoughts and

what's going on in the LM world....

We are commonly asked why do we not stock other brands of saddle? The explanation is simple.

As independent saddle fitters and designers we have a base range of innovative saddles that have been designed through many years of biomechanical research and rider testing to create a saddle that offers the horse the ability to move and develop their ‘best back’, while putting the rider in the most balanced position.

This is only achieved by a detailed saddle consultation to assess the best design to match the horses’ confirmation, discipline and rider physiology.

A great example of this comes when saddling native breeds, Welshies, Haflingers, and short back cobs where a shorter panelled saddle is required to accommodate back length, while still keeping the seat size for the rider. 

Over the last few years, we have been saddling more PRE horses who need a slightly different design to allow for their extravagant movement and compact body. 

In both cases allowing for a wider panel to fit a shorter but rounder back, allows for better weight distribution when the rider is on board without compromising on balance and stability. These small changes can have a dramatic positive impact on both horse and rider.

When it comes to the rider there are also many small design 'tweaks’ we can make to ensure the most balanced and connected fit.

For example: Rider leg length and height is a huge consideration when looking at the best design. The length of a saddle flap, position and size of knee block can all influence how a riders leg sits and how it effects their position and balance, and in turn automatically improves the horse way of going. Better balanced rider, better balanced horse.

So…. back to the original question… we have made a conscious decision to not to stock other brands of saddles because we believe we have the innovative design options to fit your horse and we can guarantee quality, balance and affordability. We know where each of our saddles comes from, the materials that have been used and the person who has made it. From conception to creation to sitting it on your horse’s back, we know the journey your saddle has been on to get to you with no compromise on quality and workmanship. Plus, we believe in our product and have a passion for the service we provide.

Most of our clients purchase a saddle for the life of that horse and beyond. Through regular saddle checks, flocking and shimming you won’t need to keep swapping in saddles for the slightest body change, but have the tools to make subtle changes to improve balance and performance.

May 2024

Let’s talk about the true cost of saddles.

In a world where the cost of living is constantly increasing, how do we stay in business without upsetting our clients, while still supporting our UK economy and keeping the lights on. 

At LM we pride ourselves in using British saddle makers to create our beautiful standard and bespoke saddles. We believe that supporting the UK economy will help save the wonderful art of saddle making in the UK for years to come. Saddle making is a skilled job and as such we need generations of apprentices working to learn their trade to keep the art alive. 

Since Covid and leaving the EU the cost of creating a saddle has gone up by over 20% this includes saddle materials, cutting and stitching equipment, fuel prices and the general cost of living, and all this before it has even left the workshop for delivery. 

At the end of 2023 we had to make the tough decision to increase the prices of our saddles to cover part of the increase to us.

In comparison to many big brands, we only make a very small mark up on our saddles, which gets swallowed up by our daily running costs etc. We believe passionately in our integrity and the service that is just as, if not more important than the sale of any saddle. Our goal is to offer affordable, balanced, beautifully designed and made saddles to all horses and owners, not to just the elite riders. Every horse and rider deserves to be comfortable in their saddle, have excellent after care and ongoing service.

However, on a recent market survey we are still under the average cost of a new saddle in the UK (Average cost a new saddle in 2023 was £2750) 

As our saddles are made in the UK they do cost a little bit more than buying from abroad, but they are crafted by skilled workers who are paid a fair wage, in good working conditions and all materials have been ethically and substantially sourced. 

Without us supporting British made products, companies can’t afford to stay in business, employ staff and train the next generation. 

We have seen a huge shift throughout the industry over the years from fast fashion to saddles being made oversee for a fraction of the price, yet the products are still being priced more than if it was made in the UK. This is meaning that the quality of British products is getting devalued, is being pushed oversees and therefore we are sadly seeing the possible loss of manufacturers that have been renowned for producing quality products that are made to last and what they are renowned for.

However, we stand strong alongside our UK manufacturers and believe in mindful purchasing, where you buy quality once and it last for years to come alongside an excellent service.