Course Overview

1. Welcome and Course Overview

2. Introduction to the Society of Master Saddlers

Who are the Society of Master Saddlers?

The Society was originally formed as a trade association for craft retail saddlers in 1966. Today, the industry has changed and the Society has grown to encompass all aspects of the saddlery trade. It is an international membership organisation with over 600 members in 15 different countries and it represents retailers, individual craft saddlers, saddle and bridle fitters, manufacturers and suppliers to the trade.  

They safeguard the quality of work and the standard of services offered by our members and they provide training and qualifications to all of those who work within the trade.

Although saddlery fitting is not a regulated profession such as veterinary surgeon, farrier or chartered physiotherapist, SMS members are regulated by the Society and must adhere to a strict Code of Conduct to maintain professional standards.

2.1. Categories of Membership

There are four tiers of membership within the Society of Master Saddlers, with various categories in each. 

Once you have completed the course and successfully passed the assessment you will be invited to register as or upgrade to a Qualified Saddle Fitter.

What does Trainee membership mean?

Trainee members are those who have begun their training with the Society of Master Saddlers.  They might be training as a craft saddler, learning how to make and repair saddlery, or they might be training as a saddlery fitter, learning how to fit saddles or bridles.  

Conditions of Membership

You are expected to be working at least part time as a Trainee Saddle Fitter and hold the relevant public and product liability insurances.  It is also expected that you will continue your saddle fitting training which should take around 24 months to complete.  

There are many benefits that Trainee membership brings.  All members have access to -

• Legal help line

• Professional indemnity cover (UK only)

• Member-only CPD

• Regular newsletters - advice & guidance

• BETA Trade Show Pavilion

• Regional community groups

• Member welfare support

• Member Benevolent fund

You will be listed on the Society of Master Saddlers website (www.mastersaddlers.co.uk) as a Trainee so the public can see that you are undergoing training and you are eligible to use the Trainee logo displayed above.  You will also be eligible for listing on the Equine Fitters Directory (subject to approval from the Equine Fitters Council) as a trainee fitter.

Next Steps

Once you have successfully completed the Assured Certificate in Saddle Fitting  course and passed the final assessments you are eligible to become a Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter.  At this point you will be eligible for a full listing on the Society's website and to display the Qualified Saddle Fitter logo.  You will also be able to upgrade your Equine Fitters Directory listing to 'Qualified'.

3. Course Overview

The Introduction to Saddle Fitting Course covers a range of topics to provide a basic overview and prepare you for the next steps in saddle fitting. 

During this course you will learn about: 

• Veterinary aspects involved with saddle fitting. 
• Conformation of the horse in relation to saddle fit. 
• Assessment of the horses gait. 
• Safe handling of the horse. 
• Assessing static saddle fit. 
• Assessing rider requirements in relation to the saddle. 
• Record keeping and a demonstration of templating.