Melinda Rice Moss

 now the 9th Generation Saddler

RICE SADDLERY, LLC was founded by Master Saddler Marty Rice.  As a young teenager, Marty apprenticed with a 7th Generation German Harness Maker, learning the craft of harness and saddle making as well as the qualities of fine leather and its care.  When he passed away, his tool, equipment and books were given to Marty who continued the time honored tradition, to which she has now passed to her daughter, Melinda.  Marty has custom built saddles and tack for horseman all over the world, as well as Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis, Roy Rogers, and Dale Evans, just to name a few.

RICE SADDLERY, LLC specializes in customizing your saddle for the PERFECT TOTAL BALANCE FIT.  All horses have confirmation differences that make any saddle impossible to fit perfectly.  Our solution is to adapt the saddle so that your horse can be ridden pain free and with the rider in balance.   With our customization, rarely do we need to re-flock the panels.  Our technique is adjustable and can be done on site by one of our Saddlers.  Our  TOTAL BALANCE FITTINGS  comes with a Guarantee.

  • Uncomfortable shoes and clothing can alter the performance of a runner, just like a saddle can affect the performance of a horse.

  •  If a horse is not comfortable they can't perform, regardless of the number of lessons one takes or the skill level of the rider.

total balance  can solve  soreness or training issues such as falling in on one side, not bending, not engaging the hindquarters. 

 Rice Saddlery, LLC also offers all types of  custom work-

 Poor fitting saddles can lead to a number of problems including:

  • Saddle sores

  • Stiff backs and hocks

  • Trouble bending/falling in

  • Rider error/ ineffective aides

  • Back soreness in rider

  • Irritable and sour horses

  • Head tossing

 

      BEFORE                                           

 

 

Damage done by ill fitting saddles

 

AFTER

 

AFTER

We have the solutions to your problems:

  • Custom onsite fittings done by experienced  9th generation saddler

  • Specializing in corrective balancing

  • Tack repair and alterations

  • Satisfaction guaranteed

  • Evaluations

  • Saddle Consultant

  • Clinics

  • Over 20 year experience

 Our process includes:

1. Evaluating your horse's back and the saddle independently and together to determine if it is a reasonable fit.  (We will not custom fit a saddle that is not a reasonable fit to your horse, by this meaning the tree must at least be a proper width).

2. We then measure and customize the pads which we then insert into the panels.

3. We then watch the rider ride for 5-10 minutes for more evaluation and correct any other problems we may see.

4. After 8-10 hours of riding, a recheck of your horse is included in the price.

  • Farm call visit:  $75.00 ( local under $75.00)

  • Consultations are Free

  • Farm call can be split by all parties that are requesting  the same "Farm Call". 

Note:  Rates outside of Maryland are slightly higher

Total Balance Fitting:   $175.00

This includes an evaluation of your saddle and horse's back with customized pads inserted into the tree (which are removable if necessary, or  permanent)  Once the saddle is totally balanced, a review  of the rider in the saddle riding for 5-10 minutes to check the balance and make  further adjustments is necessary.  Rider must complete 10 to 12 hours of riding after this adjustment has been made.  A return call will be scheduled of the newly fitted saddle to further check saddle fit.

( all included in the price )

 

www.RiceSaddleryLLC.com,  or via  e-mail at:   RiceSaddlery@yahoo.com