Introduction to Saddle Fitting Course

Course Objective:

Welcome to our Introduction Saddle Fitting Course! Over the next two days, you'll explore the fundamental principles of our recommended saddle fitting system. This course serves as the foundational step in our Saddle Fitting Training Pathway and is a crucial component of continuing professional development for equine professionals, Physiotherapists, Coaches, Vets, and Saddlers. Join us to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of saddle fitting! 

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Fee Includes:

• Tuition

• Meals- We will have some limited breakfast breads and a full lunch selection. Please note any dietary restrictions on your application and we will do our best to accommodate them. We will also provide tea, water and coffee and 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.  

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Criteria for Attendance - The course is open to​

• Saddle Fitting trainee or someone interested in entering this field

• Registered Farriers

• Veterinary Surgeons

• Chartered Physiotherapists

• BHS or Pony Club Coaches

• Riders, trainers and horse owners with interest 

• Other equestrian related professionals i.e. body worker or Chiropractor etc.

• Overseas retailer or customer of a trade or manufacturing members.

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A confirmation of attendance will be given as there is no qualification attached to this course.  However, we strongly endorse the Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Training Program. For information on training and becoming an SMS Qualified Fitter please resource their website https://www.mastersaddlers-training.co.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=1026​​​

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Introduction to Saddle Fitting course

A two-day course covering the basic principles of our recommended saddle fitting system. This course is the foundation to our Saddle Fitting Training Pathway, and is a long standing and essential element of CPD for equine professionals such as Physiotherapists, Coaches, Grooms, Dentists, Vets, Saddlers, Horse Owners.

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Day 1 This day comprises a series of talks and lectures delivered in a classroom and includes:

• Introduction to Saddle Fitting

• Tree Design 

• Saddle Construction

• Identifying Faults in Saddles

• Maintaining Records

• Back Anatomy and its relation to Saddle Fitting from a Veterinarian's perspective

• Safe Handling of the Horse and Running-up

• Condition Scoring

• Basic Biomechanics of Conformation and Movement

• Back Assessment

• Principles of Saddle Fitting

 

Day 2 This is a practical day, after an introduction delegates will circulate around different stations in small groups, experiencing both practical demonstrations from our lecturers and the opportunity to get hands-on with trees, flexicurves, horses and saddles. Topics include: 

• Practical Saddle Faults

• Taking Templates and Back Assessment

• Conformation, Horse Description and Running-up

• Basics of Rider Fitting Principles

• Practical Saddle Fitting Principles of a Dressage Saddle

• Practical Saddle Fitting Principles of a Jump/GP Saddle

The aim of this course is to teach a level of awareness of saddle fitting with no affiliation to any brand, this course showcases the techniques and the research that goes into the fitting process. This program is taught by guest lecturers that are Master Saddlers and Master & Qualified Saddle Fitters experienced in teaching this program all over the world. 

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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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