Fee Includes

• Tuition

• Meals:  Breakfast (coffee and bagels), lunch and refreshments throughout the day.  

• Accommodation is not included and must be arranged by the delegate. 

 

Course Objective

This Bridle making course consists of Instruction and practice in making the required items:

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• A Show Double Bridle

• An Inhand Stallion Show Bridle (brass mounted)

• An Atherstone Girth

• A sample of buckle chape stitched to 3 layers of elastic

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Assessed Elements:

• Product quality

• Cutting

• Edge stain and creasing

• Pricking

• Skiving

• Punching

• Finishing

• Use of sewing machine

• Professional work practices

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Theory Requirements:

• Name and use of all tools

• Properties and characteristics of the materials used and fittings required

• Name and function of each part

• Reasons for each procedure

• Reasons for the design

• Correct use and threading of the sewing machine

• General history of tack

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Bridlework 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 bridle making tool kit.

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• Skiving Knife; used to thin down bends and turns.

• Head Knife; used to cut leather. 

• Sharp Scissors: used to create clean cuts on thread. 

• 3/18 Thread; the correct size for stitching most bridlework projects.

• Screw Compass; for measuring and getting parts even and level.

• Pricking Irons; No 8, No 10 in 1” and 1 ½” for marking your stitch lines.

• Loop Sticks; used for blocking your keepers.

• Straight Edges; used for marking and making straight lines, cuts, etc.

• Pippen Punch: used for marking holes where hook studs are used.

• Wax Block; for waxing thread making stitching easier.

• Stitching Awl; used for punching stitch holes when threading the leather.

• Scratch Awl; used for marking leather.

• Bone; used for buffing, removing markings, turning edges.

• Double Edge Screw Crease; used for creasing leather.

• Flat Nose Pliers; used for helping to stitch.

• Edgers; No1, No2, No3; used to bevel edge on leatherwork.

• Leather or Nath Mallet; used to hit punches to mark or punch leather.

• Stitching Needles; No3, No4 used for sewing leatherwork.

• Leather Punch; used for making holes, several types and styles available.

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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.

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