master saddler?

digitalangel

digitalangel

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I have been recommended a saddler by someone - the saddler says he is fully qualified master saddler, and has good recommendations both in person, and on here. The tack shop he works out of assures me he is a Master Saddler , but the society of master saddlers have never heard of him, or the tack shop, and hes not listed on the website.

The SMS told me that not all master saddlers are registered with them, but conversely, *anyone* can call themselves a master saddler if they want to! So how do i know this guy is actually a master saddler at all? Is there anyone else he could be registered with what i can look up?

Had too many bad experiences with saddlers !!
 
SMS holds the only list there is. If he is a master saddler then he will be on their list. Sure you already know, but just because they are a master saddler doesn't mean that they are also a saddle fitter (mad bloody system!).
Def go for personal rec, but I'm not sure that if they aren't on the SMS list how that affects things like insurance?
 
I have to admit that I would only use an SMS saddler - they have training events and have to work to certain levels. If someone is a good enough saddler then why would they not be registered with SMS?
 
thats what im wondering... have asked the tack shop to find out in what way is he 'fully qualified' ??

i would use my normal saddler (SMS qualified saddler/ saddler fitter) but he only fits and repairs and ive got 2 i want to Part Ex.
 
The SMS won't necessarily give you any comeback.

I bought a saddle off a Master Saddler. she came a checked after 2 months and then said she wanted to check again after 6.

When the time came for 2nd check my boy ran into a gate and wasn't 100% so put it back a few weeks. When she came out she said the saddle was moving and I should stick a pad under it!! I was very very unhappy as my previous saddle had moved and given him a bad back and that was the whole reason for new saddle.

Called the SMS and they said I had no comeback because I had not followed her instructions to the T!!!

Helpful!! NOT!!!!!!!!

Go with the saddler you already know and trust.
 
yes granted, i could.. but would take a while with saddlersdirect and ebay is always a bit of a faff! i just want to hand over these saddles, and some cash and get a new one that i can trade in when he changes shape in another 6 months! ( youngster )

Ive had good experiences with Mr Wilkinson himself, but not with a member of his staff .

As this is a youngster theres not a lot of point having them out as they are on the pricey side and hes just going to change shape again and again. Also they dont px unless new!
 
There was a thread on here recently about someone who was calling themselves a master saddler and weren't taking saddles to sell and then the owners not hearing anything. If you've been using martin wilkinson then it would be in the right area. Might be worth doing a search on this persons name to see what comes up.
 
Firstly, a Master Saddler and a Saddle Fitter, are two different things. Somebody qualified as one, may not be qualified as the other.
The SMS is the ONLY acknowledged Regsiter of these people.
Conversely, it is not always the registered and qualified people who are the best, often, experience counts for far more.
 
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