Becoming a saddle fitter

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Lee-horses

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Hi,
I am just wondering if anyone can give me some advice about how to become a saddle fitter.
I’ve seen that are a few different courses that you can do in the uk - the main one being the Society of Master Saddlers course.

Is this the best course to go for? How does the practical experience part work? E.g. how do you find someone to help train you that is near by etc. (located in Surrey) does anyone know of any qualified fitters that may take on an apprentice?
How long does it take to qualify?

I’ve seen that the International Academy of Saddle Fitters also does a course - does anyone know which one is better to do?

As a horse owner who would you rather get your saddle checked by?

Any help or opinions regarding this topic would be extremely helpful! Thank you!
 
When I trained back in 1987 there were no saddle fitters as such, it was all under the title traditional saddler. I have seen some very good saddle fitters in and out of the SMS . I cut my teeth learning the trade round yards in Surrey. I'd be on site repairing something and get asked to check the fit of various saddles. There were very few apprenticeships around at that time and I had to build my experience up myself over many years. The best one to talk to on here is Stephbloom, she's probably the best fitter I know and not SMS, nor am I, you dont have to be in the SMS or use their methods to learn. Good luck, Oz
 
I think I saw somewhere that it's Your Horse Live this weekend? In which case Steph is likely away there, but will probably be back online here in a few days.
 
Nope, not at YHL but up in Scotland saddle fitting for my one-month-a week where I only have a hotspot and my phone/tablet so not on here as much! We do get this question asked regularly so there are a few posts if you search. I also have a short series of blogs about choosing a saddle fitter, here's the one on "qualifications" - https://stephaniebloomsaddlefitter.co.uk/blog-and-resources/choosing-a-saddle-fitter-part-3-1

It's not a career for the faint hearted, proceed with caution.
 
sbloom said:
Nope, not at YHL but up in Scotland saddle fitting for my one-month-a week where I only have a hotspot and my phone/tablet so not on here as much! We do get this question asked regularly so there are a few posts if you search. I also have a short series of blogs about choosing a saddle fitter, here's the one on "qualifications" - https://stephaniebloomsaddlefitter.co.uk/blog-and-resources/choosing-a-saddle-fitter-part-3-1

It's not a career for the faint hearted, proceed with caution.
Click to expand...
Very true Steph, you have to have a VERY THICK SKIN don't you!
I'm back out on the tools now Steph, had it with regular employed jobs!
Oz
 
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