Learn from the best by taking a Saddle Fitting Course this October

Learn from the Very Best in the Industry with the Society of Master Saddlers’ Introductory Course in Saddle Fitting

Written by Fiona Williams

Fancy a new equestrian career? Want to develop your saddle fitting skills further? Need a new expert for your business? Look no further.

On 22 and 23 October 2018, the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) will be holding an Introductory Course in Saddle Fitting at Moulton College in Northamptonshire.

The SMS, formed in 1966, has evolved into a leading voice embracing all aspects of the Trade: dedicated to safeguarding the quality of work, services, training and qualifications of all those who work in the saddlery trade. This prestigious course is designed to impart the basic principles of the SMS recommended saddle fitting system to participants.

The training course will include both theory lessons and practical activities giving a breadth of knowledge in just two days. Classroom sessions will cover three main topics:

• The manufacturing of saddles including tree design, saddle construction and leather.
• Maintaining high safety levels by identifying faults in saddles and organising records.
• The impact of saddles on horses – a veterinary surgeon’s thoughts on saddle fitting, structure and functioning of the horse relevant to its saddle.

Day one’s afternoon practical will focus on handling safety as well as the visual signs participants should assess and evaluate when fitting a saddle. This includes safe handling of the horse and running-up, conformation and movement, carrying out a back assessment, how to give an accurate condition score and a visual demonstration of the principles of saddle fitting.

Day two will concentrate on giving hands-on instruction with practical saddle fitting, lessons on taking templates and completing back assessments, further knowledge of conformation, horse descriptions and running-up.

The Society of Master Saddlers’ prides itself on the methodology and training taught to its members focusing on ensuring an outstanding level of knowledge and quality. In taking this course you enter yourself into an illustrious and well-decorated Society, trusted across Great Britain and abroad – it’s certainly not to be missed.

To book a place on the course candidates are required to fit within the following categories:

• Be in full time employment with a fully paid up member of the Society of Master Saddlers (UK) Ltd or be a member in their own right.

• Be in full time employment with a fully paid up retail member of The British Equestrian Trade Association or be a member in their own right.

• A trainee Saddle Fitter

• A registered Farrier.

• A Veterinary Surgeon.

• A Chartered Physiotherapist.

• Hold a BHS AI, II, I or Fellow qualification or be a certified  Pony Club Coach.

• Other equestrian related professional (ie. back specialist, chiropractor etc)

• An overseas retailer customer of a Society of Master Saddlers trade/manufacturing member.

Fees:

• SMS members = £360 + VAT

• BETA Members, BHS Instructors, ACPAT Members, ESMA Members and Charities = £395 + VAT

• Others = £415 + VAT

(Members of the British Equestrian Trade Association may be eligible for a discount and should contact BETA for more information.)

To download the application form and for further information on the SMS visit https://www.mastersaddlers.co.uk/

Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.