DEMO SADDLE PROCESS

Saddle Demo / Trial Information

Please note that I do not keep every saddle size and configuration physically available at all times. Maintaining a complete demo inventory can be tricky, so demo availability is based on our current inventory and scheduling.

The purpose of our demo program is to give riders the opportunity to evaluate overall fit, feel, flexibility, balance, and functionality before making a purchase.

HH Saddle Demos

All HH saddle models are available through our demo program.

One of the benefits of the HH program is that HH provides its retailers with access to demo saddles for each model, allowing me to offer clients the opportunity to ride in and evaluate an HH saddle before committing to a purchase.

Individual demo sizes or configurations may rotate between riders, so please contact me for current availability and scheduling.

Depending on the model and individual saddle, a demo can help us evaluate:

  • Overall horse and rider fit

  • Seat size and rider positioning

  • Panel length and configuration

  • Flap length and shape

  • Knee block or support preferences

  • Balance and stability

  • Padding and shimming needs

  • Overall feel and connection with the horse

  • Discipline-specific features and preferences

The goal of a demo is not simply to determine whether a saddle "fits." It gives us an opportunity to evaluate how the saddle works for the horse and rider together and make informed decisions about the final saddle configuration.

Hidalgo Saddles

Hug Your Horse can also assist clients interested in purchasing Hidalgo leather tree saddles.

Demo availability for Hidalgo is more limited due to the large number of models, sizes, and configurations available. Unlike the HH program, I do not have retailer access to a demo saddle for each Hidalgo model. Maintaining and individually importing an extensive Hidalgo demo inventory would add significant international shipping and import costs.

For this reason, Hidalgo saddles are not currently available through the Hug Your Horse demo program and are ordered as final-sale purchases.

If you are interested in a Hidalgo saddle, I am still happy to assist with model selection, sizing, measurements, fitting considerations, and available configurations before your order is placed. We can work together using your horse's information, rider needs, measurements, photos, and other fitting details to make the most informed selection possible.

Hidalgo saddle orders are FINAL SALE and are not eligible for trial, return, or refund.

Please be certain that you are comfortable proceeding with a final-sale international order before purchasing a Hidalgo saddle.

Saddle Demo / Trial Policy

The following policy applies to saddles offered through the Hug Your Horse demo program.

A demo deposit is required for all test saddles.

  • Trial Fee: $100 per saddle, per trial

  • Conditional Deposit: $500

  • Please inquire for current demo availability, model options, and shipping costs.

  • Demo availability may vary based on the current trial schedule.

A Note About the Demo Deposit

The $500 demo deposit does not represent the retail or replacement value of the saddle. Our demo saddles are significantly more valuable than the amount collected as a deposit.

The deposit is intentionally kept at an attainable amount because I want riders to have a realistic opportunity to experience these saddles without requiring them to temporarily put down the full purchase price just to participate in a trial.

By offering a lower conditional deposit, Hug Your Horse assumes additional financial risk in order to keep the demo program accessible. Clients are therefore responsible for the care, condition, and timely return of all saddles and equipment entrusted to them during their trial.

If You Purchase a Saddle

If you decide to purchase a saddle from us, the $100 trial fee will be waived.

Your $500 deposit, minus applicable shipping costs, will be credited toward the purchase of your new saddle.

If You Do Not Purchase

If you choose not to purchase a saddle, the following will be deducted from your deposit before your refund is issued:

  • $100 trial fee

  • All shipping costs

  • Any applicable bank or transaction fees

The remaining balance will then be refunded.

Trial Period

The standard trial period is 1 week.

Extended trials of up to 2 weeks may be arranged in advance when scheduling allows.

Condition & Cleaning Requirements

Trial saddles must be returned clean and in the same condition in which they were received.

If a saddle is returned excessively dirty, a cleaning fee of $100 per hour in labor, with a $30 minimum charge, will apply.

If the saddle is damaged, excessively worn, or altered during the trial period, an amount corresponding to the depreciation, necessary repair, or resulting loss in value may be deducted from the refundable balance at our discretion.

Liability

All demo saddles and equipment are used entirely at the client's own risk. Hug Your Horse accepts no liability for injury, damage, or loss associated with the use of trial equipment.

Agreement

By submitting payment for a demo saddle deposit, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms above.

Please note: The demo and trial terms above apply only to saddles specifically offered through the Hug Your Horse demo program. Hidalgo saddles ordered and imported are final sale and are not eligible for the demo, trial, return, or refund program.