ASSURED CERTIFICATE IN BRIDLE & BIT FITTING COURSE (ACBF)

January 2027 Intake (Cohort 6)

City & Guilds Assured Certificate in Bridle and Bit Fitting (A11G-03)

Take the next step towards becoming a professionally qualified bridle and bit fitter with The Society of Master Saddlers.

This part-time comprehensive Bridle and Bit Fitting course combines flexible online learning with practical, hands-on training.  It has been developed for experienced horse people who want to gain the specialist knowledge, practical skills and professional recognition required to work as a bridle and bit fitter.

Successful completion of the course and its assessments leads to the City and Guilds Assured Certificate in Bridle and Bit Fitting, qualified by The Society of Master Saddlers.

Before enrolling, please read the full course information and The Society of Master Saddlers' Course Booking Terms and Conditions.

VIEW THE FULL COURSE INFORMATION

COURSE DETAILS

Course begins -  4th January 2027	Study format -  Part-time hybrid learning, combining online study with in-person practical training in the UK
Course Duration -  Approximately 18 months	Stage 2 practical training -  23-25 August 2027
Course Fee -  £2,840 including VAT	Stage 3 practical training and assessment -  Three days in February 2028

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

The course fee includes:

• access to all required online learning modules;
  
• five days of practical training across Stages 2 and 3;
  
• support and guidance from the course team;
  
• online quizzes and written assignments;
  
• the first attempt at the City & Guilds assessment;
  
• City & Guilds certification following successful completion; and
  
• Trainee Bridle Fitter membership of The Society of Master Saddlers for 1 year.
  

Accommodation and travel are not included.  Any required resits or reassessments will incur an additional charge.  Admission to membership is subject to meeting the Trainee Bridle Fitter membership criteria.

HOW THE COURSE WORKS

The course is delivered across three progressive stages.

Online theory modules are made available for specified periods.  Learners can work through the learning materials flexibly during each module but must complete all required activities and assessments by the published deadlines.

Learner progress is supported and monitored through online quizzes, written assignments and practical activities.  Learners must be able to create and submit work in Word (.docx) or PDF (.pdf) format and record and upload video evidence when required.

Attendance at both practical training modules is compulsory.

Full details of the course content, delivery and assessments can be found on the main Assured Certificate in Bridle and Bit Fitting course information page.

VIEW THE FULL COURSE INFORMATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have suitable prior experience handling and working with horse.

The course is particularly suitable for:

• experience horse owners and equestrians;
  
• saddlers and saddlery apprentices;
  
• saddle fitters;
  
• equine professionals;
  
• veterinary and allied veterinary professionals; and
  
• those wishing to establish a professional bridle and bit fitting service.
  

Learners must have regular access to suitable horses, bridles, bits and appropriate facilities to complete the required practical activities and video submissions.

If you are unsure whether your experience or access to horses and equipment is suitable, please contact the training team before enrolling.

QUALIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

After successfully completing the course and all required assessments, you will be awarded the:

City & Guilds Assured Certificate in Bridle and Bit Fitting (A11G-03)(qualified by The Society of Master Saddlers).

Successful learners will be eligible to apply to upgrade their Society membership to Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter (SMS RQBF), subject to meeting the applicable membership requirements and paying the annual membership subscription.

BEFORE YOU ENROL

By enrolling, you are committing to:

• completing approximately 18 months of structured study;
  
• working through the online modules within the periods specified;
  
• meeting all published coursework and assessment deadlines;
  
• attending both compulsory practice modules in the UK;
  
• having access to suitable horses, bridles and bits for practical work and video submissions;
  
• submitting written work and video evidence electronically; and 
  
• reading and accepting The Society of Master Saddlers Course Booking Terms and Conditions.
  

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Eligible learners may apply for The Society of Master Saddlers Loriners Bursary, which can provide up to £500 towards the cost of the course.

Bursary applications are considered separately and an application does not guarantee an award.  Please check the eligibility requirements and applicable application deadline before enrolling.

FIND OUT ABOUT THE LORINERS BURSARY

READY TO ENROL?

Before booking your place, please make sure you have read:

• the full ACBF course information;
  
• the Course Booking Terms and Conditions;
  
• the Course Booking FAQs;
  
• the practical dates and compulsory attendance requirements; and
  
• the information about what is and is not included in the course fee.
  

If you have any questions before enrolling, please contact the training team:

training@mastersaddlers.co.uk