Trials
At Mahtowa Meadows, we feel it is absolutely necessary to trial a saddle before purchase. It is our pleasure to allow our customers a 5 day trial period which starts on the day the saddle is delivered to you.
All domestic sales will be processed as a trial which means your CC will have the funds authorized but we will only charge your card for the $65 shipping. The cost of the saddle will not be charged until you make a decision to keep the saddle. If the saddle does not work out for any reason, it is your responsibility to ship the saddle within the 5 days in the same condition it was sent out. Your credit card will be charged accordingly for any noticeable damage or the return will be refused at the discretion of Mahtowa Meadows Saddlery. All returns must be insured and shipped by either UPS, USPS Priority or Fed Ex. Please use original packing material to ship the saddle back and and do not use packing peanuts or we will not accept the return! Saddles are not guaranteed by Mahtowa Meadows past the 5 day trial period. If we do not hear from you within the 5 day trial period, we will consider the saddle sold and will process the sale accordingly.
For all international sales, the full amount will be charged on your card up front including shipping. The sale is still considered a trial and you may return the saddle within 5 days for any reason. When the saddle is received back in the same condition it was sent out, your CC will be refunded the full amount less shipping and the CC fee. ALL duties and taxes on international sales are the responsibility of the customer. If we do not hear from you within 5 days of receipt of the saddle, it will be considered sold. No exceptions.
We ask that you take the following steps during your trial:
- Save all packing material and the original box in case you need to return the saddle. If the box has been damaged in any way, please use a different box to ensure a safe return. We do not accept saddles packed with packing peanuts.
- Do not use any cleaning or conditioning products on the saddle.
- Use a clean pad when trying the saddle.
- Wrap the leathers to prevent any marks on the soft flap leather. Tube socks work well for this.
- Please wear breeches as jeans tend to mark up fine leather.
Saddle Fitting
Please feel free to fax or mail a wither tracing to us. The tracing will help to determine if a saddle is even close enough to trial. If you would like us to send you a wither tracing flexicurve, we will be happy to do so. Just fill in your request by clicking the Contact Us and completing the form.
Directions for taking the tracing:
- Stand the horse on a flat level surface.
- Straighten out the FlexiCurve and then bend in half so the crease is in the center.
- Open it up and place it on the horse's back (crease on the spine) just behind the withers approximately 2-3" behind the scapula bone. This would be the area where the front of the saddle will rest.
- Press down on each side of the FlexiCurve and mold to the horse's skin as closely as possible.
- Carefully remove the FlexiCurve and place it on a large piece of paper.
- Trace the underside of the FlexiCurve on the paper.
You may fax the tracing to us at 218-389-0020 or mail it to us at Mahtowa Meadows, 3550 County Rd. 4, Mahtowa, MN. 55707.
Fitting the saddle to your horse
Please visit the following youtube links to understand what you need to be aware of when fitting the saddle to your horse.