In this livestream Q&A, I’m walking you through saddle shopping in a way that’s actually practical—because buying a saddle is expensive, confusing, and it can go sideways fast if you’re only looking at brand names or what “looks nice.” I brought on Jochen Schleese from Schleese Saddlery so we could dig into the key elements that matter when you’re trying to find a saddle that works for your horse and for you. This is sponsored by Schleese, and I’m upfront about that, but the goal here is education: what to look for, what to ask, and what to stop overlooking. We talk through the big-picture stuff like fit basics, why saddle fit isn’t a one-time event, and how your own balance and comfort can change what your horse feels under saddle. I also cover how I approach the shopping process—what questions I’d ask a fitter or seller, what details I’d check before I commit, and how to think about long-term adjustability instead of chasing the “perfect” saddle on day one. If you’ve ever wondered why your horse goes differently in different tack, or you’re trying to buy smarter the next time, this video is meant to give you a clearer checklist and a lot more confidence.