Saddlery Solutions

I have a JRD custom dressage saddle (had for 3 years now), fitted and serviced by Mehrdad. This is the absolute best saddle I’ve ever had, and the only saddle that has fit my horse well– not an easy-​to-​fit horse, nor am I an easy-​to-​fit rider. Unlike «mass produced» saddles, this is definitely hand crafted and truly a work of art. Because Mehrdad is the only one servicing the saddles, patience is required for appointments. However, I would much rather wait for someone as skilled as he is than risk having other so-​called «fitters» screw up my saddle. I’ve unfortunately experienced this and it’s not worth it. I am not at a training barn nor was I referred by a trainer.

I would NOT recommend Mehrdad (owner) or JRD saddles. He behaves unprofessionally and is difficult to contact or schedule refitting. If you leave a trainer that he works with, he won’t service your saddle. Caveat emptor! No, nein, nyet!

I recently purchased a JRD dressage saddle. I am more than happy with the saddle and the service I got. Mehrdad came out and measured me and my horse– then got started building me a saddle. The horse did not work out, so he halted work while I found another horse. He was fine with the delay, never put any pressure on me. When the next horse I got needed some time to put on weight and re-​muscle up his back, Mehrdad understood completely.
He then came out and measured my horse again when I thought he was better developed. They immediately shipped me a loaner, but Peru (the horse) wasn’t a fan– and I told Mehrdad about it. Mehrdad halted production on my saddle again and sent the tree out to the metal worker, I think to shorten the bars (hard horse to fit– broad shouldered but high withers) so his shoulders can move freer.
When I was confused on leather choices, he invited me up to the shop to confirm he had it right. He answered my questions every step of the way, a true professional.
The final saddle fits Peru so well. When I first put it on him, he actually started arching his back, testing it out, before I ever rode in it. Immediately I noticed that it was easy to get him to stretch down while riding. He loves his new saddle. Best of all, for me, is that instead of my lower back aching when I ride, it aches if I DON’T ride! It actually makes my back feel so much better.
Dawn was extrememly nice and helpful as well. When my fiancé asked what size my saddle’s seat was, she answered «Sarah Size.» I liked that. I feel that although it seems pricey, this saddle is worth every penny, and in reality very reasonably priced. You can easily buy off the rack saddles for the same price, but they will never fit you or your horse like a custom. I have a saddle and a saddlemaker for life. For something that you ride in every day, something that can help or hinder your horse, it was and is a true bargain. I encourage anyone looking for a dressage saddle to forget the off-​the-​rack saddle and invest in a custom saddle from JRD. I could not be happier!