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'.