Meet Mikayla!
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
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.
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.
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
Mikayla came out today. I’ve got a 3 year old mule and an opportunity to take him to a starting clinic. So he needs a saddle – stat! She brought some of her saddles that she thought might work for my mule. We also tried things I already had in the barn. Ultimately, she worked with my impatient young boy and found a saddle for that should work for both of us. I’m so appreciative of the work she does. I bet he’ll be appreciative in a couple weeks, too.
Lisa Whitney, DVM
Danville, VT
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!"
~Mikayla Pick, The Saddle Gal
Products
New and Custom Made Products
For your convenience, The Saddle Gal carries several lines of English saddles and tack which can be borrowed on trial and purchased as is, or custom ordered to fit you and your horse. Please know that there is absolutely no pressure to purchase one of these particular brands, and finding a used saddle is always an option as well.
Consignment
So there is an option for every budget, Mikayla also carries a variety of English and Western consignment saddles for purchase. Each consignment saddle is hand selected for quality, longevity, and value, and Mikayla has already made any necessary repairs and adjustments so you can rest assured that each saddle is in great condition and ready for to take you to the show ring or the countryside.
CONTACT
The Saddle Gal travels! Now serving New England and Upstate New York. Contact Mikayla to schedule a fitting!