Saddle fitting training - anyone done it?

[BBP]

Here in Cambridgeshire we have only one registered saddler fitter and master saddler, and because of that, and because he is so good, he is almost impossible to get out if you live more than 30 miles away. One saddler fitter in a very horsey county! It made me think that there is a gap in the market and possibly I should look to this as a future career (I realise that at 29 I should probably have a career already!)

Has anyone else on here gone down the road of becoming a qualified saddle fitter or saddler? They mention a lot that you must be employed by a master saddler to go on the courses, but there aren't any near me! What is the best route to go down and is it worth it as a career?

Thanks!

 

[ThePony]

It is something I have been interested in for a while, but have found it hard to get into, and particularly difficult if you need to combine your training with a decent paying job.
You can do a course at Capel Manor, this gets you started and gets you a year off your apprentiship. Then you need to find a saddler (find one that actually spends his/her time saddle fitting and making leatherwork and doing repairs - otherwise you will get several years experience in working in a shop!) who is prepared to take you on as an apprentice. This tells you about the set up http://www.saddlerytraining.com/new entrants.htm You will go to sailsbury through your apprentiship to gain your levels.

If it is something you want to follow, then I would approach saddlers within travelling distance of you and have a chat to them about an apprentiship.

If you want to dip your toe in the water and see what you think of the leatherwork side of things, then I can 110% recommend David Mays courses. He is an absolute legend and you will learn so much! http://www.saddlerycourses.com/default.htm

Good luck!