Saddle-fitting..... how to get into?

[domane]

I know I am too past-it but I am interested in how you would get into saddle-fitting?

Presumably you need to know horse-structure* (can't think of the right word I need) and tack-structure, possibly saddle-making and so on....

Where would you start....???

Thanks

ETA *anatomy! Remembered whilst in the bath!!!!

 

[Guest]

Good question...the equestrian world could do with some more decent qualified saddle fitters like good old Normeee.

I'd like to get into it to.....

 

[Whatanejit]

Oh for goodness sake Jane - what do you mean you are past it?

You bloomin Ninny!

You are in a great position to start a new career; the kids are more independent, you know who you are as a person, you are in a steady relationship.

A 45 year old man started as a first year of a 6 year medical training programme at UCL last year - he is one of my students. Hell that is a long training never mind the post graduate apprenticeship afterwards!

No Angel was was training as a saddler for a while so may be able to point you in the right direction.

xx

Dee

 

[galadriel]

You could ask local saddle fitters where they studied

A really good introduction to anatomy, and one that I think every saddle fitter ought to learn about, is equine sports massage. It really seems to me that every saddle fitter should be a qualified bodyworker, even if they don't practice it much.

I can't possibly separate a saddle evaluation from a body evaluation. The body tells me so much about the horse's current saddle, as well as past saddle problems, and how the horse is using himself currently...all things that will affect the way the saddle is carried and how it moves on the horse's back. I can't imagine how saddle fitters who *aren't* bodyworkers/working with a bodyworker can do their jobs...

 

[Mossy]

Oh for goodness sake Jane - what do you mean you are past it?

You bloomin Ninny!

You are in a great position to start a new career; the kids are more independent, you know who you are as a person, you are in a steady relationship.

A 45 year old man started as a first year of a 6 year medical training programme at UCL last year - he is one of my students. Hell that is a long training never mind the post graduate apprenticeship afterwards!

No Angel was was training as a saddler for a while so may be able to point you in the right direction.

xx

Dee

Well done that man and well done UCL!!! When I asked elsewhere 7 years ago i was told I was too old! I was 45 at the time

 

[poohsmate]

You could ask local saddle fitters where they studied

A really good introduction to anatomy, and one that I think every saddle fitter ought to learn about, is equine sports massage. It really seems to me that every saddle fitter should be a qualified bodyworker, even if they don't practice it much.

I can't possibly separate a saddle evaluation from a body evaluation. The body tells me so much about the horse's current saddle, as well as past saddle problems, and how the horse is using himself currently...all things that will affect the way the saddle is carried and how it moves on the horse's back. I can't imagine how saddle fitters who *aren't* bodyworkers/working with a bodyworker can do their jobs...

whole heartedly agree with you galadriel and to take it one step further i don't see how you can fit saddles if you have never ridden
something which is not uncommon.......

sorry jane getting away from your question... im over your yard tomorrow at 5.00 have a chat about it..

 

[jovi_y2k2]

this is something that i am aiming to train for at some point inmy life but unfortunately it is a costly and quite lengthly process! you have to do a 2 day foundation saddle fitting course then have 3 years experience saddle fitting then do another 4 day course before you can become a qualified fitter. the society of master saddlers website has all the details on it http://www.mastersaddlers.co.uk each course costs around £200+ and you have to be a member of the society or work for someone that is. its all rather complicated if you ask me and i think this is the reason we dont have as many saddle fitters as we'd like!! i've been lucky enough to do a gap year working for a saddlery and have been out with their qualified fitter for a couple of days to get a feel for it and its still something i want to do so its saving up time!!

 

[holiday]

Whichever way you decide to go, get in touch with the Master Saddlers Society and take their advise, ask where a local master saddler is to you and try and spend some time with them if possible. Dont just go out with a local saddler as some just dont know how to fit saddles properly even though they own a saddlers!!!!!

If you can train with the best available, you are on to a winner, the time it takes it would be worth it long term. Its hard work and not much money but once trained you will appreciate the time taken once working to a proper saddlers income.