Why this role matters
A well-fitted saddle is essential to the comfort, performance, and long-term soundness of both horse and rider. Saddle fit affects freedom of movement, topline development, rider balance, communication, and overall partnership. When a saddle is too narrow, too wide, unbalanced, bridging, rocking, or creating uneven pressure, it can lead to resistance, soreness, compensatory movement, and diminished performance.
As a Saddle Fitter with Stübben North America, you’ll play a key role in helping horses move comfortably and riders sit in better balance. You’ll combine practical horsemanship, equine anatomy, saddle construction knowledge, and client education to assess fit, make recommendations, and support customers through the fitting and saddle selection process.
This role is ideal for someone who is hands-on, detail-oriented, eager to learn, and passionate about improving the horse–rider connection through proper saddle fit.
This role is a contract role. Compensation is paid via commissions on sales.
What you’ll do
Saddle fitting and assessment
You’ll conduct on-site saddle fittings at barns, shows, clinics, and customer locations. This includes evaluating the horse’s conformation, topline, shoulder movement, wither shape, back length, muscling, asymmetry, and overall condition as it relates to saddle fit.
You’ll assess key fit points such as:
- Tree width and angle
- Saddle balance from front to back
- Wither and spine clearance
- Panel contact and weight distribution
- Gullet channel width
- Billet alignment
- Saddle stability
- Rider position and balance
- Interaction between saddle, pad, girth, horse, and rider
You’ll evaluate saddles both statically and dynamically, observing the horse and rider in motion to understand how the saddle performs during work. Depending on the discipline and client needs, this may include walk, trot, canter, lateral work, jumping, or other ridden assessments.
Adjustments and recommendations
You’ll make or recommend appropriate adjustments to improve fit, comfort, and balance. This may include flocking adjustments, pad recommendations, girthing guidance, tree width considerations, or advising when a different saddle model, seat size, panel configuration, or custom option may be more appropriate.
You’ll help clients understand when a saddle can be adjusted, when a new solution is needed, and when follow-up appointments are recommended as the horse changes over time.
Client education and consultation
A major part of this role is helping riders understand what proper saddle fit looks and feels like. You’ll explain your findings clearly and practically, without overwhelming the client with technical language.
You’ll educate riders, trainers, and barn teams on:
- Why saddle fit matters
- How saddle balance affects rider position
- How pressure points can impact movement and behavior
- How horses change with age, conditioning, workload, and season
- When to schedule follow-up fittings
- How to recognize signs that a saddle may no longer be fitting properly
You’ll also guide clients through Stübben’s saddle models, custom options, technology, leather choices, and fit solutions to help them make confident, informed decisions.
Sales and customer support
You’ll support Stübben saddle and accessory sales through professional fittings, product knowledge, and relationship-based service. This role requires trust-building, follow-through, and a consultative approach rather than a high-pressure sales style.
You’ll maintain communication with clients before and after appointments, document fitting notes, provide recommendations, and support the customer journey from initial consultation through saddle delivery, adjustments, and follow-up care.
About you
Equine-focused and detail-oriented
You have a strong understanding of horses, riding, and barn environments. You can recognize key areas of equine anatomy and understand how conformation, muscling, asymmetry, and movement affect saddle fit.
Willing to learn and develop
Prior saddle fitting experience is valuable, but we are also open to candidates with strong horsemanship, work ethic, and a genuine desire to learn. You’ll receive hands-on training and guidance from experienced professionals.
Comfortable working hands-on
You are confident handling tack, working around horses, taking measurements, assessing fit, and learning the tools and techniques required for flocking adjustments and minor saddle-related work.
Strong communicator
You can translate technical findings into clear, rider-friendly recommendations. You enjoy educating clients, answering questions, and helping people feel confident in their choices.
Professional and road-ready
You are organized, dependable, and comfortable traveling regionally for appointments, fittings, clinics, and events. A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel several days per week are required.
Relationship-driven
You understand that saddle fitting is built on trust. You’re comfortable working with riders, trainers, barn owners, veterinarians, bodyworkers, and other equine professionals in a respectful and collaborative way.
What we offer
- Hands-on training and mentorship from experienced saddle fitting professionals
- Competitive commission opportunities on custom saddle sales
- Retail sales opportunities for Stübben tack, accessories, and related products
- Employee pricing on Stübben saddles, tack, and apparel
- The opportunity to represent a brand with more than 130 years of German craftsmanship
- A supportive team culture rooted in horsemanship, education, and customer care
- The chance to make a meaningful difference in the comfort and performance of horses and riders
How to apply
Email [email protected] with your resume, a brief cover note, and two references - or complete the digital application here.
Please include “Saddle Fitter – [Your Region]” in the subject line.
Stübben North America is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all equine professionals.
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience in saddle fitting already?
Work Location: On the road
