Saddle Flocking & Practical Onsite Adjustment Course
A Saddle Flocking Course

Course Objective:

Welcome to our five-day course on saddle fitting and repair! This program is perfect for aspiring saddle fitters and those currently in the saddlery repair business. Throughout the course, you will gain hands-on experience in deconstructing, replacing flocking materials, and making essential repairs and adjustments. Additionally, we will provide valuable insights into the standards and requirements for qualification and membership with the Society of Master Saddlers, making this course a great stepping stone for your professional journey.

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Fee Includes:

• Tuition

• Meals:  We will provide limited breakfast breads & several lunch selections each day. We will provide tea, water and coffee will along with individually wrapped snacks.   

• Accommodation is not included and must be arranged by the delegate, as well as, transportation. The Holiday Inn Express in Clear Spring offers a reduced rate but please ask for the Manager and reserve at least two weeks ahead of time.  

• Participants MUST bring at least two saddles to work on that are wool flocked and in decent shape. Please pick to bring two to three British made English traditional or standard tree'd saddles (without adjustable gullet plates) to work on no older then 10 years.  The brand does not matter however British made saddles are all made to a similar standard and are the best and easiest to learn on for your first strip out and reflocks. We know from many years' experience that these really do make a difference to your beginning skill set, additionally it is the standard for anyone wishing to go forward with an SMS Saddle Fitters Qualification. Please contact us for details.   

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Bench Work Covers

Theory -

• Identify tree and panel types

• Tree Construction

• Panel Design

• Panel Construction

• Horse Anatomy

• Rider Influence

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Practical -

• Replacing girth straps, girth strap placing, adding point straps

• Remove and drop out saddle panel

• Remove old flocking

• Reflocking

• Reassemble and lacing in

• Removal of airbags and conversion to flock when appropriate 

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Onsite Work Covers

Theory -

• Anatomy of back and how it affects fitting

• Back shapes and the many variations

• Girthing systems

• Use of pads; materials, research, therapeutic applications and adjustment pads

• Different panels, materials and flocks

 

Practical -

• Adjustment templates

• Making an adjustment

• Rider input

• Padding options and adjustments

• Girthing adjustments

• Rider analysis

• Analysis of back and shoulders in relation to saddle fitting

 

*Saddle Flocking Tools Required; we have tools for sharing & using in class. You do not have to have all the tools as this is an investment and gets pricey. We do have limited tools for sale however this is also a topic we learn about and discuss during class. Tools are a personal preference but saddlery also requires some specific tools.  This is always complicated and a learning process but the following items below are the start of your saddle flocking tool kit.

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Tools Needed for Saddle Flocking & Bench work; 

• Flocking Irons

• Tack Hammer

• Flat Nosed Pliers

• Needles

• Thread

• Weights

• Long Tweezers

• Saddlers Knife

• Dividers

• Scratch Awl

• Stitch Prick

• Curved/Backing Awl

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Registration:

Please note that registration for our courses requires full payment at the time of, and all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. For available dates, visit our online booking page. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at saddleryschool@gmail.com. Remember, while deposits and course fees are non-refundable, cancellations can be carried over for one year, with any tuition increases applicable.

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