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

Once you have completed the course you will be invited to register as a Trainee 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 Introduction to Saddle Fitting course you can register for The Society's Assured Certificate in Saddle Fitting Course.  Once you have successfully completed that course and passed the City and Guilds assessments you are eligible to become a Society of Master Saddlers Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter.  At this point you will also be eligible for a full listing on the Society's website and to display the Regisitered Qualified Saddle Fitter logo. Additionally, you will be able to upgrade your Equine Fitters Directory listing to 'Qualified'.