Chine Equine Saddle & Bridle Fitting Services

Chine Equine Saddle & Bridle Fitting Services Professional, independent Saddle & Bridle Fitter - providing holistic tack solutions to maximise horse wellbeing & performance.

I stock Wintec, Arena, Bates & GFS Saddles and Evo Equine Bridles. Covering North Bristol, South Glos and surrounding areas. Welcome to Chine Equine Saddle and Bridle Fitting Services! I'm Doris - a professional, independent, fully insured Saddle and Bridle Fitter - certified by Lantra and accredited by the International Association of Saddle Fitters. I cover the areas around Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire and provide holistic tack fitting solutions that prioritise your horse's wellbeing and performance. My services include assessing and optimising the fit of your existing saddle and bridle as well as custom fitting new saddles and bridles. I also offer minor saddle repairs and full reflocks of your saddle. I stock Wintec, Arena, Bates & GFS Saddles, Evo Equine Bridles, a selection of half pads, girths, stirrup leathers and work with the Saddle Bank and Saddles Direct to source a range of high quality saddles.

✨ Meet Buster & Moonie – two gorgeous young horses I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past few months! ✨🐴 Bu...
01/10/2026

✨ Meet Buster & Moonie – two gorgeous young horses I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past few months! ✨

🐴 Buster (Connie, left picture) is thriving in his beautifully balanced GfS Pony Jump Saddle, giving him the freedom and stability he needs as his training progresses.

🐴 Moonie (Welsh/Cob, right picture) has been fitted with a Pony Arena Jump Saddle, chosen specifically to support her muscle development. With a little existing atrophy and asymmetry, she’s currently on a quarterly saddle fitting plan, where I fine tune her setup using internal shims to match her changing body shape. 💪💛

💫 To complete their tack setup, both horses are now enjoying their stunning Evo Equine Grackle Bridles:

✨ Buster – Concure Clincher Grackle Bridle ✨ Moonie – Victor Grackle Bridle

Each bridle has been custom fitted to their unique head shape. This means I can select the perfect headpiece, ensure correct placement between the ear bulbs and wing of atlas, balance poll pressure, and match noseband, browband, cheekpiece and throatlash sizes so everything sits exactly where it should. ✔️

This level of precision simply isn’t possible with “one size” bridles — most horses need a mix of component sizes to achieve true comfort and stability. 🧠💡

🌟 When you book me as your saddle fitter, you also receive a full professional bridle assessment as part of your appointment. And if your horse needs a completely new tack setup — saddle and bridle — I can provide this service on the same day. 🐎✨

If you’d like your horse to enjoy the same level of comfort, balance and bespoke fitting as Buster and Moonie, send me a message to book your appointment. 💬📩 Your horse deserves tack that truly fits. 💙

Such an important and often neglected topic. Combined Rider AND tack weight matter for a horse's wellbeing and performan...
28/09/2026

Such an important and often neglected topic. Combined Rider AND tack weight matter for a horse's wellbeing and performance.

There are lighter saddle choices available that could help you and your horse - message me for a fitting if you would like to explore alternative saddle options.

✨ Looking for a GFS Monarch saddle? I’ve got them ready to try. If you’ve been researching the Monarch range, you alread...
24/09/2026

✨ Looking for a GFS Monarch saddle?

I’ve got them ready to try. If you’ve been researching the Monarch range, you already know why riders love them — premium leather, intelligent design, and a fit that genuinely supports both horse and rider. The Monarch range is known for:

- High‑quality leather that feels great from day one
- Lightweight, flexible tree technology for comfort and freedom of movement
- Adjustable gullet system to refine fit as your horse changes
- Supportive seat and knee blocks for stability without restriction

If you’re already considering a Monarch, don’t guess — ride in one. I can bring multiple models to your fitting so you can compare feel, balance, and fit on your own horse.

📩 Message me to secure your appointment.

21/09/2026
🌟 Becoming a SMART Saddle Fitter 🌟I had the pleasure of attending the SMART Saddles Fitter Training Seminar earlier this...
18/09/2026

🌟 Becoming a SMART Saddle Fitter 🌟

I had the pleasure of attending the SMART Saddles Fitter Training Seminar earlier this week, where I explored their newest saddle innovations, delved into the full SMART saddle and accessory range, and took part in a brilliant SMART Saddle Fitting Masterclass with Dr Anne Bondi and the SMART HQ team. I even got to do some hands on fitting myself 🐴✨

Seeing the difference in each horse’s way of going when ridden in a SMART Saddle compared to a traditional tree saddle was incredible. Over just a 20 minute ridden assessment, horses visibly relaxed, moved more freely, and showed improved comfort and confidence. I was also impressed by the stability of the SMART saddles on horses where tree saddles had previously been shifting or causing issues 🔧💡

I’m genuinely excited to begin working with SMART Saddles as a recognised fitter. Having used a SMART saddle personally, I’ve experienced first hand their flexibility, adjustability, stability, and impressive impact absorption. They adapt beautifully to changes in a horse’s physique and empower riders to make thoughtful adjustments whenever needed 💪🐎

For riders who value style, stability, and horse comfort—whether in dressage, showjumping, or eventing—SMART Saddles offer an exceptional option. I can’t wait to help riders find their perfect match and support horses in feeling and moving their best ❤️🏇

🐴 Quick 10 Second Saddle Fit TestRegular saddle checks are a simple way to catch early issues and keep your horse comfor...
11/09/2026

🐴 Quick 10 Second Saddle Fit Test

Regular saddle checks are a simple way to catch early issues and keep your horse comfortable and performing at their best. Try these 3 super quick checks:

1️⃣ Front & Side Panel Check: Run your hand under the front panel and along the side panels. 👉 If you feel pressure points, lumps, or uneven contact, your saddle may not be distributing weight correctly.

2️⃣ Balance Check: Step back and look at the overall balance of your saddle. 👉 If it sits too high or too low at the front, it’s a sign the fit may need adjusting.

3️⃣ Stability Check: Watch for any tipping forward, lifting at the back, or leaning to one side. 👉 These are clear indicators that your saddle isn’t sitting as it should.

✨ I offer full saddle assessments and tailored recommendations to ensure your horse is comfortable, supported, and ready to perform.

📅 Book your fitting today and give your horse the comfort they deserve.

✨ Extended Special Summer Offer ✨🔥 Free Saddle Fitting with every new saddle purchase over £1,000 — only for a limited t...
08/09/2026

✨ Extended Special Summer Offer ✨

🔥 Free Saddle Fitting with every new saddle purchase over £1,000 — only for a limited time!

🌟 Elevate your riding experience with one of these gorgeous Arena or GFS saddles. Comfort, craftsmanship, and performance all in one stunning package.

🐎 Treat yourself (and your horse) to a saddle that truly fits — and enjoy expert fitting at no extra cost.

💛 Don’t miss out on this exclusive deal. Book a saddle fitting now!

07/09/2026
🐴 Is your saddle sliding forward? Here’s WHY it happens — and why it matters.I’ve seen a big increase in saddles creepin...
04/09/2026

🐴 Is your saddle sliding forward? Here’s WHY it happens — and why it matters.

I’ve seen a big increase in saddles creeping forward this summer, especially in trot and canter. Extreme heat can change your horse’s shape, hydration levels, and muscle tone, which all affect saddle stability.

👉 The main reasons your saddle moves forward:

🔹 Horse conformation Some horses are simply built to push saddles forward: • Low withers = no natural “anchor” • Forward girth groove = girth pulls the saddle into that spot • Croup-high builds = gravity pushes the saddle downhill • Round/pear-shaped barrels = tack slides forward like on a wedge

🔹 Saddle fit issues Even a good saddle can slip if the fit isn’t right: • Too wide → front drops down and tips forward • Too narrow → sits perched and gets shoved forward by the shoulders • Too long → loins push the back of the saddle upward and forward • Billets not aligned with the girth groove → constant forward pull

🔹 Biomechanics & movement How your horse moves can shift the saddle: • Hind limb asymmetry or mild lameness creates uneven forces • Tight or hollow backs push the saddle out of its balance point

🔹 Rider & tack influence • Crooked or forward tipping riders add extra forward pressure • Straight girths on round horses = guaranteed slipping

⚠️ Why this matters: A saddle that slides forward can pinch the shoulders, restrict stride length, cause discomfort, and throw the rider off balance — affecting performance and welfare.

🛠️ If your saddle is creeping forward, it’s time for a professional check. Book a full static + ridden assessment to keep your horse comfortable, balanced, and happy. 💛

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