THinking of doing a saddlery course.

[DITZ]

I've had loads of problems getting a decent saddler recently and it occured to me that this could be a good thing to study for and eventually become.

Does anyone know how one goes about it?

[G.Gracious]

It depends where you are. Are you in the UK?

[Mehitabel]

http://www.saddlerycourses.com/ is a good place to start looking.
also try http://www.mastersaddlers.co.uk/

[Yann]

I believe the Saddle Co have been training some more fitters recently, may be worth giving them a ring to find out more, they have a lack of coverage in the north of England, you'd never be short of work:D

Not sure what they teach them on the Master Saddlers courses, probably more about stuffing a panel or stitching flaps on than fitting to horses judging from some recent anecdotes.

[DITZ]

Cheers all, I am in Nottingham. Does anyone know what it entails (ie full time/part time/correspondence course?)

[Nickie 2]

I think Capel Manor College do a home study thing - they may be a bit far for you to travel - try them!

Saddlery Courses at Capel Manor (http://www.capel.ac.uk/Animalcare/Saddlery_mainpage.htm)

Capel Manor College Link (http://www.capel.ac.uk/index.htm)

I think they even do a 3 day try-it out course for saddlery just look on the list of courses

[Lucy J]

i'd be keen to train as a saddle fitting consultant, but i am put off by having to invest in stock....

[Wally]

It all depends upon what you mean by a saddlery course. There are some which will make you good at repairs to bridles and minor repairs to saddles. To be a proper saddler takes 5 years and more - EVERY day, "belly to the board" making saddles.

You cannot make saddles by correspondence, it has to be hands on, every day and then be prepared to take it to bits and start aagain.

I started off making bridles, I spent a good few YEARS making bridles and martingales and all things strappy. Then it took me a good few years more just learning to make a saddle, let alone how to make it fit a horse.

Unless you are prepared to take a drastic cut in pay and go to a factory, and then one with an enlightenend main designer, forget making saddles. You can become a proficient fitter by working along side a reputable saddle manufacturer. But it won't happen by post or by book.

Sorry to pour water on your ideas.