Saddle Fitting Adventures Through Alberta and BC
It’s not every job that takes you through breathtaking landscapes, across icy highways, and into cozy barns across Alberta and British Columbia. But as a Canadian saddle fitter, every trip I make is an adventure, and this latest one was no exception!
An Epic Drive Through Northern BC
The journey kicked off with an epic drive through northern British Columbia into Alberta. I took a beautiful pit stop in Jasper, marveling at the stunning scenery even though the forest fires left some areas scarred.
Despite that, Jasper’s beauty shone through, and I couldn’t resist taking a few photos along the way. It’s moments like these, standing among the ice fields, that make me think, “This is why we’re True North.”
Being a Canadian saddle fitter comes with its own set of challenges—long drives, unpredictable weather, and carefully planned trips across huge distances. For everyone waiting on my visits, thank you for your patience. I may not be in your area every week, but rest assured, I’ll be back.
Keep an eye on the website for my next trip schedule to make sure you’re booked in when I’m nearby!
First Stop: Red Deer – Meeting Amazing Riders
The first stop brought me to a couple of barns in the Red Deer area, where I got to work with some lovely clients shopping for saddles. We had a successful sale of a Custom MKII saddle (you can check it out here), plus a fantastic consignment deal.
There’s just something about seeing a rider find the perfect saddle for their needs—it’s one of my favorite parts of this job! I visit so many incredible barns, meet amazing horses and riders, and sometimes I have to remind myself that this is actually my job.
Calgary – Family Time and Saddle Fits
After Red Deer, I headed down to Calgary, where I was fortunate enough to stay with my sister. Even better, my parents were in town visiting her, so I got to enjoy a little family reunion. Calgary also gave me a chance for some personal shopping and to enjoy the no PST bonus!
Then it was off to GEM Equestrian Centre, owned by one of my sponsored riders, Chelsea Balcaen (GEM Equestrian Centre). I spent three whole days here, working with her wonderful clients and their horses. The heated barn and indoor arena were much appreciated as temperatures began to dip.
Every client who needed a saddle found their perfect match, and I was able to get all of their saddles into tip-top shape for the winter months. I also brought along my latest selection of LeMieux products, which were a hit! (Check out what we have available here.)
100 Mile House – A Saddle Fitting Clinic at Freestyle Farms
After three wonderful days in Calgary, I made my way home, stopping along the way in Canmore and Golden. The next destination was 100 Mile House, where Katie at Freestyle Farms hosted me for a saddle fitting clinic. This was a chance for local riders to receive professional saddle assessments and shop our tack sale.
Living in a remote part of Canada, I know how hard it can be to access equine professionals regularly. That’s why I aim to make these visits more than just a shopping stop. It’s a chance to share my knowledge, answer questions, and ensure everyone who attends walks away with a little more insight into saddle fit and care.
Once again, I got to work with amazing horses and riders who made the whole experience so rewarding!
Wrapping Up and Winter Preparations
After a whirlwind journey, I finally made it home, greeted by the sight of fresh snow. Winter is settling in, and that means a shift in my work routine. My trailer is cleaned up and ready to be stored for the next few months, giving me time to focus on home-based projects.
This season is perfect for all those jobs that require detailed work, like strip flocking, re-stitching, and billet repairs. These repairs are time-consuming and tough to manage on the road, but winter is when I can give them my full attention. If you’re interested in any of these services, don’t hesitate to reach out!
As I plan for next spring and summer, I want to thank everyone I visited on this trip. Your patience, support, and enthusiasm make the long drives and icy roads worth it.
For those of you hoping to book in next time, keep an eye on my website for the next set of trip dates. Until then, stay warm, and happy riding!