Take a Two-Week
Test Ride
Our Two-week Test Ride guarantees the opportunity to feel the Saddle Science transformation. There are no strings attached, and no cost besides shipping.
Start with our measuring kit, which guides you through a ten-minute process to collect the information we need before your trial. Most people find it easy - but if you’d like help, we offer a free video session to guide you through making the measurements.
You will be introduced to one of our reps, who will answer all your questions, and also help you to figure out which saddle model and accessories you’ll need.
Our expert fitting staff will use your information to size and custom-adjust a saddle for you and your horse, then ship it to you for a thorough two-week test ride.
At the end of your test, there’s no obligation, and no pressure. Ever.
What is the Test Ride?
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Meet your expert
We’ll guide you in making the 3 measurements we need to custom-size your saddle.
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Choose your saddle
All the options we give you to consider will have been matched to your horse’s body using EQ’s sophisticated tree angle matching system.
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Receive your saddle
Have a personal introduction and fitting check over video, then hop on and start your two weeks of test riding!
We promise to contact you only in response to the questions that you ask via this form. You will hear directly from us, NEVER a telemarketer!
Because every horse’s back is different.
We start by matching critical angles of your horse’s back to corresponding angles of our saddle tree. Custom assembly in our workshop means the saddle arrives ready for you to use*. Our dynamic EQFlex™ panels conform to the horse’s back, beginning with your very first ride. As the panels continue to break in, the fit continues to improve.
With EQ, every fit is a custom fit.
*Sometimes adjustments will need to be made to optimize fit.
Our Saddle Science Experts
Every Saddle is Customized
One of the unifying values on our team is curiosity; we all want to know how to make things work better, and how to make it easier for horses to carry humans. We gather regularly to deep-dive into equine anatomy, human anatomy, biomechanics, and saddle construction.
Tap into our knowledge: we are here to help you find the best fit of your life.
What Riders Are Saying
“Customer service is hands down the best in the industry. From the first moment that I called to get some information, to their free two week trial; remote fitting and follow up...everything has been outstanding. I would recommend this company for any horse, not just those that are hard to fit.”
FAQs for EQ’s Two Week Test Ride
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Nothing - except shipping! Cost of an insured shipment is $99 with our “SHIP10” discount code. We do require current measurements of your horse, taken to our specifications (and offer free video support to make them).
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Absolutely! Once we receive your horse’s measurements and photos, you’ll be offered a small group of saddles chosen to custom-fit your horse and you, too, of course. You may choose one or two of those saddles for your test ride. Or, if none of them appeal, tell us why and we’ll find you additional choices.
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It does! More than 80% of our customers purchase via the remote fitting option.
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Yes!
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We definitely support sharing the EQ joy! Because we are obsessed with great fit, we’ll need current tracings on any other horses so that we can assess the fit before testing the saddle.
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Our tracings need to be taken in very specific locations, because we compare your horse’s body angles to the angles in our saddle trees. Other fitters are not likely to have taken their tracings in the same place, so we require new ones.
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We send you everything you need to make the trial easy for you and comfortable for your horse. We request that you begin the trial with our saddle pads and with our girth, or another if you have one that you’re sure is comfortable for the horse. You’re welcome to use your own leathers. If the test ride goes well and you’re curious about your own saddle pads, you may of course try them (but please follow our size and contour guidelines).
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We intend for your two week test ride to include two weeks of riding, so please try to schedule your trial during an interval in your life that makes sense. If something unexpected comes up, you may request permission to pause your trial for up to a week and then continue.
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The only cost of a test ride is shipping. One saddle is $110 (or $99, with our SHIP10 discount if you purchase the shipment in our store). Two saddles are $175 (or $157.50 with SHIP10 discount).
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You may try as many saddles as you like! After your first two-week test ride, you many have unlimited additional one-week tests. Generally you will have a short list of what might improve, and the one week period should be long enough for you to confirm the fit. If not, there are weekly and monthly rental options to give you as much time as you need.
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Once you start working with EQ, we will listen to you and support you. Most of our two-saddle testers find out which one is their favorite within the two week interval, but if you need more time, we’ll extend your testing interval up to an additional week.
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When your two week test ride is over, if you’re in love, you can buy the saddle! Or, you can extend the decision period by renting the saddle (by the week or month). You can also return it and try another. And finally, you can order a custom or personalized “dream” saddle!
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Of course! We require that you return the saddle, insured to our door. We offer a UPS return shipping service designed to save you money, but you are not required to use it.
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Once you start a test ride, you’ll receive an email with important trial information to give you the very best test ride experience. Return instructions are included, and are also on our website.
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Please don’t wash our sheepskin pads; washing damage is unfortunately common, and we are not liable for any damage caused in the wash. Instead, please return the pad and let our experts gently launder it.
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Absolutely! Once seated, our aviation-grade velcro grips incredibly strongly, so long as you do not over-adjust the saddle.
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If you’re in doubt (and don’t have a trainer or coach to consult), please send photos and videos, and our experts will help you to determine if the size and shape of the saddle is appropriate for you.
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The saddle pad protects your breeches down to the level that the saddle typically would - EQ riders haven’t reported any problems with sweaty legs, but if you were going to ride hard enough to create a drenching sweat, it would be simple to attach the removable flaps!
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If you choose our video support for your tracings, then we offer a paid shipment of the second saddle if the first one didn’t fit, so we strongly recommend this free service.
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We can provide you with detailed instructions so that you can make and send us videos that show you assessing the fit of the saddle.
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Yes, of course. We do ask that you make sure it fits under the belly (many “shoulder relief” girths don’t), and that it has no wrinkles in it, nor super-stretchy elastic, or elastic on one side only. If any of these things are not certain, then please use our girth for your test ride; it’s free to test, and it has a broad belly plate, subtly stretchy belly elastic, roller buckles, and thick leather behind the buckles to protect the horse’s sides..
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Of course! We want you to keep going until you have a firm “yes” or “no” decision, and offer both weekly and monthly rental options to allow you all the time you need.
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Hopefully your trainer will see the upgrades in your horse’s way of going and in your own position. Often that’s all it takes!
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Yes! Speak to your EQ Rep for details.
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The TATR is your chance to explore. If it’s not working, we can do a LOT with fitting adjustments and even swap out saddles (at cost of shipping, etc.)
We are available for any questions or comments throughout the test ride - you’re not alone during your trial.