Terms and Conditions
General comments
FnE supplies a quality product made from quality materials. There are links to our leather suppliers from the saddle care page so you can check out just what we use. The saddle and all working parts are guaranteed for a period of three years with normal wear and tear.
Order deposit and deposit refunds
When an FnE saddle is ordered we ask for a deposit of £250.00. If the order is cancelled prior to delivery we will refund £150.00.
Returns and refunds
In the process of supplying your FnE saddle we make every attempt to help you choose the right saddle. If within 14 days from delivery you feel the saddle is not right for you or your horse then we will refund the purchase price to you less a service charge of £100.00GBP. Any refund will be given only when the saddle has been returned, in good condition, to us directly or to one of our agents. These provisions apply for purchase directly from FnE saddles or our appointed agents. Independent retailers selling the FnE saddle will operate their own policy.
Saddles to Customer Specifications
If a saddle is made to a specification determined by the customer, and which is outside our standard product range (e.g. with suede seat), the 14 day refund facility mentioned above does not apply.
Free service period
In the UK we offer a free saddle fit check at three months from the purchase date. You phone us and ask for a saddle fit visit towards the end of this period. Arrangements will then be made for a fitter to call and check as soon as its practically possible.
Regular Saddle Fitting Checks
We do recommend that, for your peace of mind, your FnE saddle is serviced and checked for fit at least once a year. The time taken to complete these tasks can vary from 15 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours depending on what needs to be done.
FnE directly or our saddle fitter or agent will charge the standard fitting fee for servicing and adjusting the saddle at the current rates irrespective of the time taken. In the UK the rates can be viewed on the UK page
Horse Conformation
Horse conformation does affect saddle fit. The best conformation has a wither angle of between 90 deg and 96 deg with a flat back behind the wither and a girth groove positioned so that the girth sits vertically down from the saddle into the groove. Saddles on horses with no or very little wither will always tend to slip to one side or the other if the rider is not totally aware of their balance. Similarly horses with a forward girth groove or a croup higher than the wither will cause a saddle to move forward . We will point these problems out and can help with solutions but we cannot be held responsible for the horse's conformation.
Shape changes - Mature horses
Horses do change shape! In our experience, over a 10 year period of supplying, fitting and making FnE saddles, beneficial shape changes, in the mature horse, seem to happen in the first 18 months of using the FnE panel system. After this period yearly fitting checks would be the norm. It is not possible to be prescriptive in just how the horse's shape will change. However if a poorly fitting saddle has been the main cause of movement and performance problems, then we would expect wither hollows to fill, over-used muscle to decrease and backs to round more. If a horse has been laid off for a short period, and not allowed to get obese, then it's usually OK to start riding again with the FnE saddle as the horse will quickly regain its fit shape.
There may of course be other factors such as poor hoof balance or damaged muscles and joints limiting the horse. From our experience, gained from a large number of customers, we can make suggestions on certain courses of action which may help. We are also very happy to discuss problems with vets, physios, riding teachers and other horse professionals.
FnE directly or our saddle fitter or agent will charge for doing these adjustments after the free 3 month post delivery visit.
Shape changes - Young horses
Young horses who are just being taught to carry a rider often show considerable shape changes due to continued growth and muscle development. It may therefore be necessary to alter the saddle fit at frequent intervals.
FnE directly or our saddle fitter or agent will charge for doing these adjustments after the free 3 month post delivery visit.
These terms and conditions do not affect your statutary rights.
