Society of Master Saddlers Introduction to Saddle Fitting Course

Course Objective: Welcome to our Society of Master Saddle Fitting Course! Over the next two, you'll explore the fundamental principles of the SMS 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, including 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

• SMS members and employees

• BETA members and employees

• 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 SMS trade or manufacturing members.

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A confirmation of attendance will be given as there is no qualification attached to this course.  This course is run in conjunction with the Society of Masters overseas in North America.  Attendance in this course either in the USA or UK is required to join the Society of Master Saddlers to in order to become a trainee and work the process towards becoming qualified. See the link below for more information for becoming a Qualified Saddle Fitter - https://www.mastersaddlers.co.uk/training/fitting-how-to-train/sf-pathway/

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Introduction to Saddle Fitting course

A two-day course covering the basic principles of the SMS 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, Vets, and Saddlers.

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Day 1 comprises a series of talks and lectures delivered online or in a classroom and includes:

• Introduction to the Course

• Tree Design

• Saddle Trees & Construction

• Identifying Faults in Saddles

• Maintaining Records

• A veterinary surgeons' thoughts on saddle fitting

• Structure and Functioning of the horse relevant to saddle fitting

• Safe Handling of the Horse and Running-up

• Condition Scoring, Conformation and Movement

• Back Assessment

• Principles of Saddle Fitting

 

Day 2 On the 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 and saddles.

Stations cover:

• Practical Saddle Fitting

• Taking Templates and Back Assessment

• Conformation, Horse Description and Running-up

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. Affiliated with the Society of Master Saddlers, this program is taught by guest lecturers that are Master Saddlers and Qualified Saddle Fitters teaching this program all over the world. Please see the Society of Master Saddlers Website for more information about becoming Qualified.

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Society of Master Saddlers​

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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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