Meet Mikayla!​
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Mikayla Pick, aka The Saddle Gal, is a certified, independent saddle fitter serving New England and upstate New York since 2019. Mikayla works with all equine breeds and disciplines, ensuring your saddle is safe and effective for you and your horse, pony, mule, or donkey. It's Mikayla's mission to educate and support riders to ensure they are using the right saddle, within their budget.
The Saddle Gal
The Saddle Gal is no longer taking new clients for Saddle Fitting. Repairs are still welcome
Approach
A Comprehensive Approach
​In addition to her certification as a saddle fitter, Mikayla also holds a bachelor’s degree in Equine Science from University of Vermont. Her approach to saddle fitting considers the complementary biomechanics of horse and rider and is based on her extensive education in equine and human functional anatomy. Unlike saddle fitters who are certified through a particular brand and work as sales representatives in addition to fitting, Mikayla's comprehensive knowledge allows her to work without bias to make sure you are getting the right saddle for you and your horse. Whether you ride in the ring, the ranch, or out on the trail, you and your horse deserve a saddle that fits just right.
The Process
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first appointment with The Saddle Gal is a thorough evaluation and learning session to address all of your questions and concerns. Mikayla will ask about you and your horse’s history, gently palpate your horse to find potential saddle-related discomfort, and also take a tracing of your horse’s back to identify the most appropriate saddle shape. Mikayla will also watch you ride to see how your saddle affects your equitation, overall stability, and comfort as well as evaluate your horse’s movement patterns under saddle.
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After this comprehensive evaluation, Mikayla can make day-of adjustments to your saddle, as appropriate, or offer others for you to try. Saddles can even be kept on trial so you can take your time and make the most informed decisions about what saddle is best for you and your horse.
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Subsequent appointments are dedicated to ensuring your saddle continues to fit as your horse grows or ages and has changes in muscle development. Just like us, horses bodies shift with time and with changes in workload, making it crucial that we regularly re-evaluate for proper saddle fit and functionality.
Cancellation Policy​
Because of Mikayla’s busy travel schedule, it is vital that you provide a minimum of 48 hours advance notice if you need to cancel your appointment.
Testimonials
I first met Mikayla when one of my Icelandic horses was showing signs of a poor fitting saddle and it was clear from that first appointment that she would become an integral part of our farms care for all horses who carry a rider! I had tried numerous saddle brands - Icelandic and
not, treed and treeless - as well as another saddle fitter before being referred to Mikayla. She has been a wonder at keeping my horses comfortable, sharing her knowledge and prioritizing actual fit over what "should" fit (a common issue in the Icelandic horse community). I have
experienced Mikayla's advocacy for horse welfare first, going to bat for us through fitting, demo and exchanges, and communicating with a saddle maker during a particularly tricky situation, not to mention her phenomenal reflocking, repair and restoration skills. My primary discipline is
distance riding, so keeping my horses comfortable and joyful out on the trail over long periods of time and rough terrain is of the utmost importance. It is simply impossible for me to imagine keeping my horses in work without Mikayla's guidance. I consider working with her an essential
part of my commitment to caring for horses who are kind enough to carry me on their backs. If you are considering working with a saddle fitter for the first time, or if you are looking for a second opinion, I cannot recommend Mikayla highly enough!
-Katherine Forrest, Windswept Icelandics, Brooktondale NY
I was looking for both an english and western saddle fitter since I ride both disciplines. It was so enlightening to try several saddles in the same day to see what a difference the right fit can make. In the right fitting saddle, the horse is happier and moves with more ease and comfort and my leg and body stay steady, in just the right place. I feel so much safer and more secure riding in a professionally fitted saddle, and it's clear the horse appreciates it too! I've learned so much from working with Mikayla!
Ashley Warwick
Bethlehem, NH
Mikayla came and fitted my horse for his new Wintec Pro Endurance saddle. She was professional, knowledgeable, and patient with my constant barrage of questions! I love my saddle. Thank you!!
Julia Mercon
Danville, VT
Services
Please contact The Saddle Gal for detailed information and rates.
Saddle Fitting
Flocking Adjustments
Saddle & Tack Repair
Gait Analysis
Tack Safety Check
Girth Recommendations
"I believe that true horsemanship includes all aspects of attending to our equine friends, including professionally fitted tack. I can't wait for you to feel the difference the right saddle can make for you and your horse!"
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~Mikayla Pick, The Saddle Gal
Repairs
Repairs are crucial to keeping your saddles and other tack safe and usable for a long time. Below are specific repairs that I do often. There are a variety of turnaround times for the repair, so please be aware that some repairs may take longer to do!
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To book a repair please fill out the form below and I will be in touch to arrange timing. Shipping is to be paid by the client. Deposit of 50% is due on drop off or when shipped and the balance is due before returning the saddle. I will do my best to work in your budget to keep your saddle safe and usable!
Our Services
Western Refleece
Refleece of the skirts on western saddles. Includes light clean and condition, tree check, and new strings as needed.
Strip Flock and Foam to Wool Conversions
Panels in English saddles often need to be serviced. Strip flocking removes all the old wool and replaces it with new wool, conversion removes foam and replaces it with wool.
Billet replacements
Billet replacements on English saddles
Strap Goods and other repairs
Halters, bridles, purse straps and zippers, and more!
Deep Clean and Condition
English and Western saddles. Includes safety checks and note of any wear and tear that may need attention
Other Western Repairs
Fender shortening or twisting, new stirrup leathers, horn stitching, new strings, seat replacement, rigging replacement
Other Repair Inquiry
Don't see your repair listed? Send a message and I can let you know if it can be done
CONTACT
Contact Mikayla to schedule a repair slot. She is not currently accepting new clients, only serving my regular clients only. All repairs are being accepted.
Please allow up to 48 hours to respond.