A Day in the Life of a Mobile Saddle Fitter

Hey friends! I’m Kirsi Mitchell, a mobile saddle fitter based in Canada, and I’ve spent over a decade helping riders and horses feel more comfortable and perform their best.

I love what I do—but if you've ever wondered what it’s really like to work on the road as a traveling saddle fitter, buckle up (pun intended).

Prepping for a Saddle Fitting Trip in Canada

Before I even leave my driveway, there’s a lot that goes into getting ready. My truck and trailer get a full check—because when you’re driving 30+ hours in a single trip across places like BC and Alberta, you want to be sure everything’s running smoothly.

On my last trip alone, I had four hotel stays and a $1,000 repair bill before I even saw a single horse.

I’m not sharing this to complain, but to be transparent. Travel fees aren’t about turning a profit—they’re about covering the real, behind-the-scenes costs that make it possible for me to get to your barn safely, prepared, and on time.

Planning Saddle Fitting Services Efficiently

As a mobile equine services provider—and a dedicated saddle fitter in BC—I’m on the road a lot. Having a tight, well-planned schedule is key.

I usually travel with my trusty dog co-pilot, and we tackle some long drives (12 hours in a day isn’t unusual). I try to pack in as many clients as I can each day to make the trip worthwhile for everyone.

If you know ahead of time that your horse needs more than just a quick check—like billet replacement or extensive saddle stitching—please let me know in advance.

Custom saddle fitting for horses takes different amounts of time depending on what’s involved, and I always want to make sure each horse gets the time and attention they deserve.

Saddle Fitting for Therapy Ponies (and Everyone Else)

One of the highlights of my last trip was spending a full day at a therapeutic riding centre, fitting a string of lesson ponies. It was a total change of pace from my usual rounds—and I loved it.

These kinds of visits are a great reminder that you don’t have to own a Grand Prix dressage horse to benefit from a good saddle fit. Whether you’re showing, schooling, or just out for weekend horse adventures in BC, every horse deserves to move comfortably and freely.

This work isn’t just my job—it’s a full-on saddle fitting journey, and I feel lucky to be a part of so many riders’ progress and stories along the way.

After the Trip: Paperwork, Shipping, and More

Once I’m back home, the work doesn’t stop. I’ve got paperwork to file, trial saddles to manage, shipping to coordinate, and invoices to send out. On top of that, I’m running an online business, looking after my little hobby farm, and—this year—planning my wedding!

Final Thoughts from Your Local Saddle Fitter in Western Canada

Being a mobile saddle fitter is a wild, wonderful ride. I get to meet the most incredible horses and riders, and every trip is a new reminder of why I love this job.

If you’re part of the equestrian life in BC, Alberta, or beyond and looking for custom saddle fitting or horse riding support in BC, I’d love to work with you. Communication and planning make everything smoother—on both sides of the saddle.

Thanks for riding along with me!