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Welcome to the North American Saddlery School

 

     The North American Saddlery School was founded in 2006 as a response to discussions with riders and saddle fitters seeking unbiased, non-sales based saddlery instruction.  Our Vision is to offer high level research-based saddlery education so equine professionals can be empowered to assist each rider and horse pair to optimally communicate through their tack and reach their potential. 

 

     We offer comprehensive training in traditional saddle and bridle making, repairs, and research-based fitting techniques. We work with the Society of Master Saddlers to bring their saddlery standards to North America. We import our instructors; Master Saddlers & Bridle makers, Master Saddle Fitters, Qualified Bridle Fitters and top professionals in their fields of anatomy & biomechanics and veterinary from all over the world. Our programs are designed for a diverse group including saddlery businesses, independent saddlers, apprentices, and students eager to enter the saddlery trade.

 

     No prior experience is necessary, familiarity with horses and saddlery is beneficial. Join us to enhance your skills and contribute to equine welfare through proper saddle and bridle fitting.

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Saddle Making
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  • Q: Where should I stay while attending classes at saddlery school in Clear Spring, Maryland?
    A: For those attending classes at SaddlerySchool in Clear Spring, Maryland, there are several convenient accommodation options to consider. Clear Spring offers a range of lodging facilities including cozy bed and breakfasts, comfortable inns, and well-rated hotels. Notable mentions include the Clear Spring Inn and Suites, which is only a short drive from the school, providing both comfort and convenience. Additionally, nearby Hagerstown also offers more extensive lodging options with various hotels and motels to fit different budgets and preferences. When making your reservation, it’s a good idea to check for any potential partnerships or discounts offered to SaddlerySchool students. This ensures you have a comfortable stay while focusing on your comprehensive training in saddle and bridle fitting, saddle flocking, bridle making, and saddle making and repairs.
  • Q: What courses do you offer at saddlery school?
    A: At saddlery school, we offer a diverse range of professional courses designed to meet the varied needs of aspiring saddle fitters, saddlers, horse enthusiasts, and industry professionals. Our course offerings include: 1. Saddle & Bridle Fitting: These courses focus on the principles and practices essential for ensuring proper fit, comfort, and performance of saddles and bridles. Ideal for those who aim to specialize in fitting services or enhance their equine care skills. 2. Saddle Flocking: Learn the art of adjusting and maintaining saddle flocking to ensure optimal balance and comfort. This course covers different types of flocking materials and techniques to fine-tune saddles for individual horses. 3. Bridle Making: Dive into the craftsmanship of bridle making. This hands-on course will teach you how to create custom bridles from scratch, emphasizing quality, durability, and aesthetics. 4. Saddle Making and Repairs: Our comprehensive saddle-making course is perfect for those looking not only to construct new saddles but also to master repair techniques. This includes everything from basic refurbishments to complex restorations. All our courses are taught by experienced professionals and combine theoretical knowledge with extensive practical training. Whether you are beginning your journey in saddlery or seeking to deepen your expertise, saddleryschool offers the education and skills you need to excel in this craft. For more details and enrollment information, please visit our website or contact our admissions office.
  • Q: Do I need any prior experience to enroll in courses at saddlery school?
    A: No, you do not need any prior experience to enroll in courses at the North American Saddlery School. Our programs are designed to cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. Whether you are interested in saddle & bridle fitting, saddle flocking, or bridle and saddle making & repairs, our expert instructors will provide you with step-by-step guidance, ensuring you gain the skills and confidence needed in the art of saddlery. We believe in a hands-on learning approach, making our courses accessible and beneficial to everyone who has a passion for saddlery.
  • Q:What does my course fee include at saddlery school?
    A: At saddlery school, your course fee includes comprehensive coverage of all materials and the use of the tools necessary for your classes. This encompasses high-quality leather, stitching equipment, wool flocking and other essential materials tailored specifically for saddlery work. Additionally, the fee covers expert instruction from seasoned professionals in the field of saddle and bridle fitting, saddle flocking, saddle and bridle making, and all types of saddle repairs. You will also have access to detailed course manuals and instructional resources to support your learning journey. Moreover, our course fee guarantees a hands-on, practical learning experience in a fully equipped workshop environment, ensuring you acquire real-world skills that are directly applicable to professional saddlery work.
  • Q: Where is Clear Spring, Maryland and what is the nearest airport to saddlery school?
    A: Clear Spring, is a historic small town located in Washington County, Maryland, known for its frontier history and scenic beauty. For those attending courses at Saddlery School, you'll find Clear Spring nestled conveniently near the Interstate 70 corridor, making it easily accessible by car. GPS directions to the school's address located at Stoneleigh Equine; 11655 Rocky Meadow Rd, Clear Spring, MD 21722 are easy to follow and accurate. The nearest airport is Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR), which is approximately 15 miles away from Clear Spring. For those flying from more distant locations, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is another major airport, situated about 90 miles from Clear Spring. For international and more extensive travel options, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is also about 90 miles away, providing a wider array of flight services to and from various destinations. This proximity to multiple airports ensures that our students can reach us easily and start their journey toward mastering the intricate crafts of saddle and bridle fitting, saddle flocking, bridle making, and repair. We look forward to welcoming you to our comprehensive courses and helping you develop the skills needed for success in the saddlery industry.
  • Q: What do I need to come to school at saddlery school?
    A: To begin your journey at saddlery school, you'll need a few essential items to ensure a productive and enjoyable learning experience. First, comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear are important as you'll be spending time both in the workshop and hands-on with saddles and bridles around horses. It's also beneficial to bring notebooks and pens for taking notes during lectures and demonstrations we do allow some limited videos to be taken of certain skills but no class recording is allowed. Additionally, if you have any personal saddlery tools, feel free to bring them along, although we have all necessary tools and materials as part of our courses but part of the education process is learning about tools of the trade and what is needed. Don't forget your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn; our courses are immersive and hands-on, designed to give you comprehensive, practical skills in saddle & bridle fitting, saddle flocking, bridle making, and saddle repairs. We look forward to welcoming you to our enthusiastic community of saddlery professionals!

© 2025 North American Saddlery School

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