Develop your understanding of how saddle fit can influence the welfare, comfort and performance of the ridden horse. 

This introductory course is suitable for: 

• horse owners and riders who want to understand more about saddle fit; 
  
• equine and allied professionals wishing to complement their existing knowledge; 
  
• saddlers and others working within the saddlery trade; and 
  
• anyone considering progressing towards professional training as a saddle fitter. 
  

The course combines approximately six hours of flexible online theory with a compulsory one-day practical module at Moulton College, Northampton. 

READ THE FULL COURSE INFORMATION 

Course Details 

Course format - Online theory followed by one day of practical training	Online learning - Approximately six hours of on-demand theory webinars and supporting learning
Course Cost - £660 including VAT	Practical module - Saturday 1 August 2026
Member Discount - 10%	Venue - Moulton College, Northampton

The discounted member fee will become available after you have logged in and your current Society membership has been confirmed.

What You’ll Learn 

The online theory provides an introduction to saddles and professional saddle fitting. You will: 

• learn how saddles are constructed;
  
• identify common faults in saddle materials and construction; 
  
• consider how the horse’s conformation can influence saddle selection; 
  
• understand why saddle tree width and design are fundamental to fit; 
  
• explore how the rider’s requirements and influence can affect saddle fit; and
  
• begin to understand the Society’s nine-point approach to assessing saddle fit, used by Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitters around the world. 
  

During the practical module, you will have the opportunity to apply your online learning and explore: 

• static and dynamic saddle fit; tree width and saddle design; 
  
• relevant aspects of the horse’s conformation; 
  
• templating; rider requirements and influence; and
  
• the relationship between the horse, saddle and rider. 
  

The online theory must be completed before attending the practical module. 

Why Take This Course? 

The course will help you to: 

• better understand the work of a professional saddle fitter; 
  
• make more informed observations about saddle fit; 
  
• complement your existing work as an equine or allied professional; 
  
• or explore saddle fitting before committing to further professional training. 
  

This is an introductory educational course. Completion does not qualify you to practise or describe yourself as a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter. 

Progressing to the Qualified Saddle Fitter Pathway 

Successful completion of the Introduction to Saddle Fitting Course, or evidence of recognised equivalent prior learning, is required before progressing to the Society’s Qualified Saddle Fitter training pathway. 

Applicants must also meet the other entry requirements applicable to the Qualified Saddle Fitter pathway. Completion of this course does not automatically guarantee admission. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER PATHWAY 

Overseas Theory-Only Option 

Learners who are unable to travel to the UK may enrol on the separate Introduction to Saddle Fitting – Theory Only course. 

The theory-only option does not include the practical module and does not constitute completion of the full Introduction to Saddle Fitting Course. Learners wishing to progress to the Qualified Saddle Fitter pathway will need to provide evidence of their learning and meet the applicable entry and practical requirements. 

VIEW THE OVERSEAS THEORY-ONLY COURSE

Before You Enrol 

By enrolling on the full course, you are committing to: 

• completing the online theory before the practical module; 
  
• attending the compulsory practical module at Moulton College; 
  
• arranging and paying for your own travel and accommodation, where required; and 
  
• reading and accepting The Society of Master Saddlers’ Course Booking Terms and Conditions.  
  

Ready to Enrol? 

Before booking, please make sure you have read: 

• the full course information; 
  
• the Course Booking Terms and Conditions;
  
• the practical dates and compulsory attendance requirements; and
  
• the Course Booking FAQs. 
  

 If you have any questions, please contact: training@mastersaddlers.co.uk