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 contact us for details.   

 

Course Objective

This five day course is designed for those interested in saddle fitting or saddle repair as a career including current saddle fitters and saddlery repair businesses. In the course, students will learn the necessary skills to deconstruct a panel, replace flocking materials, make minor repairs and adjustments, and reassemble the saddle. Additionally this course also covers the standards and required information for those seeking qualification and membership with the Society of Master Saddlers, so while not required for those seeking SMS qualifications, it is highly recommended.

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Bench Work Covers

Theory -

• 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

• Identify tree and panel types

 

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

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Registration

This course must be paid in full at time the of registration and is non refundable and non transferrable. Course bookings have two options; book online or download the registration form and return with course to:

 

North American Saddlery School

11655 Rocky Meadow Rd

Clear Spring, MD 21722 USA

 

or

saddleryschool@gmail.com

*Please note that deposits and course fees are non refundable, however cancellations will carry over for one year after the date of cancellation and the candidate will have to pay any increase in tuition. Please see the complete policy above.