How To Trial An NSC Saddle

Buying a saddle without trying it first is daunting, we get it. There are two low-risk ways to try one with us.

Option 1 – Book a fitter. One of our NSC Expert Fitters, or your own NSC-approved saddle fitter, brings saddles to a booked appointment for you to try in person. No payment is needed upfront for the saddles for this option, just the appointment fees to your chosen saddle fitter.

If your preferred saddle fitter isn’t already approved to receive saddles from us, they’re welcome to get in touch to discuss arranging this.

Option 2 – Order online. Choose your saddle, pay in full, and it ships to you to trial at home for 7 days. Because there’s no fitter holding the saddle for you, this option is paid upfront. Here’s exactly how it works, so there are no surprises.

1. Trial length

Your trial runs for 7 days from the day you receive your saddle. Need more time? Message us before day 7 and we’ll see what we can do.

2. Getting a second opinion

Already have a saddle fitter or adviser you trust? Get them to check the saddle over during your trial too. Don’t have one? One of our NSC Expert Fitters can help, in person or remotely, for their usual fee, so you’ve got someone experienced looking it over with you.

3. If it’s not right

Send it back and we’ll refund you, less the fees below. We’ll send a courier label and instructions with your saddle, so you don’t need to sort your own box or courier.

4. Trial fee and shipping

If you keep the saddle, shipping it to you is on us.

If you return it, a $100 trial fee applies, along with the cost of shipping it to you in the first place (usually $40 to $65, depending on location) and a $25 contribution towards return shipping. All of this comes off your refund. The $25 is below our actual return shipping cost, we cover the rest.

5. Condition on return

Everything needs to come back to us free of hair, wear, dirt or damage. That includes the saddle, stirrup leather covers, saddle cover, blocks and width adjusters, not just the saddle itself. Everything that was sent with the saddle needs to be returned, and please use the original box and packing materials so that it travels safely. If anything comes back damaged or needs cleaning, or is missing, that cost comes off your refund too.

6. Day 7

We’ll email you on day 7 to check in. If we don’t hear back, we’ll take it you’re keeping the saddle, just message us if you need more time.

7. Saddle damage and liability

While the saddle is with you, it’s on loan and it’s your responsibility to look after it. If it comes back with damage beyond normal handling, we’ll assess it and deduct the cost to put right from your refund.

Questions? Get in touch, we’re always happy to talk saddles.