saddle fitting

[eventerbabe]

I'm currently doing a distance course in the foundations of saddle fitting, but i'm toying with the idea of persuing it as a career. How did those of you who work as saddle fitters gain more experience/qualifications? I was looking on the master saddlers site for their courses on saddle fitting but i do not fit their 'criteria' so cannot go on their courses :(

edited to add, anyone any experience of the courses offered by these people?
http://www.bowentraining.co.uk/index.htm

their training is affordable and within a reasonable travelling distance of myself.

[Tuscan Dream]

just looked at the link you posted - what is it??

im dont fully get what it is?? lol!

is it another form of physio for horses??

[Est]

Hi EB, I looked at the SMS site a while back and found the same thing! It's not very helpful for us ordinary mortals wanting to become saddle fitters, is it - I came away feeling very frustrated.

I looked briefly at becoming a Saddle Company saddle fitter (Poohsmate on here was very generous with info and suggestions - thanks!), and then had a look at Bowen, like you. This must be a case of great minds ;) :D

My Bowen therapist talked me through what she thought was the best process. What I found was:

1. Do a module in Anatomy & Physiology (must be approved by ITEC, VTCT, or NOCN - google any nearby colleges to find out of their courses are approved). Also get a current First Aid certificate.

2. Do Modules 1-5 of the Human Bowen Technqiue training (I looked at the ECBS (http://www.thebowentechnique.com/) because my Bowen therapist recommended them very highly). Cost approx £1300, time taken minimum 9 months.

3. Do the Equine Bowen Therapy training (I looked at the ESEBT (http://www.equinebowentherapy.com/) again after recommendation from my Bowen therapist). A few other physical therapists also said they'd heard very good things about them.

4. Join the BTER (http://www.bowentherapists.com/BTER/about-register.htm)

5. Get professional insurance and you're away!

I haven't heard anything about the site you linked to, but they might be brilliant! I think they are doing EMRT which is slightly different to Bowen but supposed to be just as good. :)

[eventerbabe]

That's really helpful Est, thanks :) i'll maybe shift my focus away from doing extra equine courses and see about an anatomy course!

I am thinking of taking a week off and booking myself on the cumbrian school of saddlery reflocking and refitting course. might be of use, i don't know! but their courses are open to everyone, unlike the SMS ones :mad:

[Est]

You're not going to believe this... I looked at them as well! :D I wanted to do the bridlework course, to make a leather headcollar for Merrick. I don't think I'd be any good at making things professionally though :( I struggle to visualise things in 3D!
Anyway, good luck with your future plans whatever you decide to go for :)

[eventerbabe]

no, i think intricate leatherwork is a bit beyond me too, was never very good with anything like that! but the reflocking course looks interesting and at £325 it won't break the bank.

I've had such a stinker of a day at work i'm determined to form a 'future plan' and actually do something about it :rolleyes:

[Est]

Good for you! I've just been offered my dream job in "pure" training and development work, and I'm so excited about it :D It's incredible how much work affects us even *outside* working hours... I'm sure my current job had a big influence on my drop in confidence around the horses a while ago.

I'm still going to try all these things, but for my own interest (current job is up to 60 hours per week, new job will be 37 hours per week - and a bit more money too, so I'll have the time and the finances at last!!)

Inspired by Bobbin and a few others, I want to try a Ttouch course and perhaps a horsey sports massage course. I'd still like to make that leather headcollar :cool: and do some of the Intelligent Horsemanship courses. And I'd like to get an instructor out to help me with the clicker training, and also get the long reining started up again.

It's really nice seeing all the possibilities! I hope you find something perfect for you and start having fun again...use that determination for change and make it happen :D

[KarinUS]

Hi EB, I looked at the SMS site a while back and found the same thing! It's not very helpful for us ordinary mortals wanting to become saddle fitters, is it - I came away feeling very frustrated.


The (UK) SMS offers a course here in the US as well and apart from not being very affordable it also is open only to people who work for saddle distributors of UK made saddles. :mad: How silly is that? Wouldn't customers prefer a truly independent saddle fitter rather than somebody connected to a company?
The US Master Saddlers Association is actually run/owned by County Saddlery and pretty much trains County Saddle reps only.

It's no wonder there are so few independent fitters around. It's virtually impossible to get the training without selling your soul to some saddle maker/brand in the process.