master saddlers vs non master saddlers

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wench

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looking at getting a new saddle and one re flocking. Some local saddlerys offer a saddle fitting service, but they arent master saddlers. are they likely to have had any training or not? Or should I just go with the one who is a master saddler?
 
If you go on the master saddlers website that will tell you your closest.
But it depends on personal preference.
I wouldnt allow a non registered saddler near my horse as i had a bad experience when the college i was at said i had to have their "saddler" endless problems happened all from that.
 
Do think it depends though, locally I knnow of a few peole who have had problems with a 'master saddler', equally the guy who fitted saddles to our lot wasn't a master saddler )apparently or so I was told by a local opinionated busy body!) but we have had great succes with his saddles on 3 horses now, checked by a very very well regarded local master saddler and he has said they are fine, good fits etc.
I would personally be most concerned with reputation and whether the saddler is well respected in the area.
 
My understanding is that MASTER SADDLERS - Are quilified SADDLE MAKERS - I know one locally who is a Master Saddler BUT he is NOT QUALIFIED to fit saddles. Obviously he knows what to do/look for etc.

My saddle fitter is NOT a MASTER SADDLER but is a QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER. He is very very good and spends a lot of time with you and your horse to makes sure everything is going well. He's based in the Midlands but will travel just about anywhere in the country. I can't recommend him highly enough. PM me if you're interested in details.
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Look on here www.mastersaddlers.co.uk I was surprised to realise that all the people who RETAIL saddles are not qualified / trained saddle FITTERS. Food for thought! The Society of Master Saddlers had a very informative stand at Burghley.
 
You are correct Michelle73, Saddle Fitters are NOT Master Saddlers either. From what I know, many Qualified Saddle Fitters may not actually be any good, as it is experience that is what actually teaches you. There are infact (as far as we know) no qualified saddle fitters in Cornwall, but a number of non qualified saddle fitters. the ones with experience are good, some others are rather - well - worrying.
 
To be honest just go on a good reccommendation, we have a certain "master saddler" in our area that is completely useless! He has over 20 years experience according to website, nasty piece of work to tell the truth told and fairly young girl she was way too big on an 11.3hh she weighs no more than 6-6.5 stone and is a tiny build! it was basically his excuse on why the saddle didnt fit!
 
Thanks Donkeymad.

I too go on recommendations, I bought a Bates Saddle in April from my Saddle Fitter. I'd reasearched the saddle from October to April so I knew what I was talking about. The Saddle Fitter Andy Wheals was the only person I spoke to who knew everything there is to know about the Bates Saddle. When he came out he gave a far more thourough check of my horse than any other saddle fitter that I've had out. I chose the Bates Saddle because my horse changes shape two or three times a year and I had Andy back out recently to change the gullet. He did the same amount of checking as his first visit. He came from the Midlands down to Swindon, yet there was no one in my area with the same level of knowledge as Andy. If anyone wants his number PM me- I really can't recommend him highly enough.
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