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Your guide to becoming an SMS Registered & Qualified Bridle Fitter
The Society of Master Saddlers Certificate in Bridle Fitting is the worldwide qualification for bridle fitting that is verified & monitored by an independent educational body – City & Guilds (C&G).
The journey to SMS Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter takes at least 3 years.
Year 1 Introductory course
The SMS Introduction to Bridle Fitting course functions both as the foundation for those wishing to continue training and qualify as an SMS Bridle Fitter, and for equine professionals looking to add an understanding of bridle and bit fitting to their range of knowledge.
This course is delivered in two parts:
The first part comprises a series of lectures via webinar
The second part is held at various equestrian centres in the UK and delivers practical content, allowing you to watch and try various stages in the SMS Bridle and Bit fitting process.
The complete Introductory course runs over a total of two days
Theory sessions presented via Webinar
- Introduction & how to use Webinar tools
- The Horse's Head - a Veterinarian's Perspective
- Successful Lorinery Selection
- Bridle Materials / Quality and Safety
- Measuring and Fitting
- Customer relations and record keeping
Practical Day
(Delegates split into groups which circulate around the stations)
Bit Fitting & Action
- Observation of the mouth
- Measuring bit components
- Fitting a bridle with selection of bits
- Discussion of bitting actions
Double Bridle fitting
- Observation of mouth and selecting appropriate bit size
- Component parts
- Correct Fitting
- Showing incorrect sizing
- Correct fitting of and reasons for curb chain and lipstrap
- Customer needs and opinions
Measuring
- Measuring for a bespoke bridle and to achieve correct fit
Specialist Bridles & Fitting Nosebands
- Observe and discuss specialist bridles
- Fit selection of nosebands
- Influence of nosebands
The full course is open to any equine or related professionals, saddlers, or those interested in pursuing bridle fitting as a career.
Discounted fees are available to members of certain professional organisations. Please see the Fees tab for more details.
You may
- Book and attend only the webinar day
- Book and pay for the whole course.
- Book and pay for each part separately.
Please indicate your preference on our booking form or expression of interest form.
Please note that attendance of the full course is required for progression to the SMS qualification course.
SMS MEMBERS
- Webinars: £163 + VAT
- Practical day: £250+ VAT
SMS PARTNERS
SMS Partners include BETA members, BHS APCs, British Equestrian discipline Coaches (e.g., BD, BS, BE), PC Coaches, members of ACPAT, RAMP, NAVP, and ESMA, Charities. If you are unsure whether your membership or affiliation qualifies you for a reduced rate, please note this on your contact form.
- Webinars: £180+ VAT
- Practical day: £275+ VAT
NON MEMBERS
- Webinars: £190+ VAT
- Practical day: £285 + VAT
Please be aware that this course is not a qualification course. A certificate of attendance is awarded to those who attend both webinar and practical parts - although you may attend only the webinar lectures if desired.
Please visit out Events & Courses page to book a place on forthcoming courses.
Year 3-4 Qualified Course
The Qualified Bridle Fitting course builds on the foundations of previous training and the accumulated experience of the Trainee Fitter, setting out and testing the more advanced principles of bridle fitting.
This intensive course is delivered in three parts:
- Webinars completed over 5 evenings
- Two practical demonstration and tuition days
- One assessment day
UK Candidate assessment is most often deferred for 6-12 months. International candidates may be assessed on day 3 of the practical course.
Candidates should fulfil the following criteria:
- be experienced in bridle fitting (three years recommended)
- have previously attended the Society’s Introductory Course in Bridle Fitting or are experienced SMS Master Saddlers
The course fee includes:
- Theory webinars
- Practical lectures and workshops
- Access to on-line training and course cohort Facebook Group
- Course manual
- Accommodation and all meals and refreshments on practical days
SMS MEMBERS UK
- Webinars: £530 + VAT
- Practical: £1300 + VAT
- Assessment: £450+ VAT
- City & Guilds registration fee: £75
SMS MEMBERS INTERNATIONAL
- Webinars: £530
- Practical: £1300
- Assessment: £450
- City & Guilds registration fee: £75
NON MEMBERS UK
- Course: £610+ VAT
- Practical: £1495+ VAT
- Assessment: £450+ VAT
- City & Guilds registration fee: £75
NON MEMBERS INTERNATIONAL
- Course: £610
- Practical: £1495
- Assessment: £450
- City & Guilds registration fee: £75
Candidates will be assessed on the following procedures:
- (406) Nosebands, bit identification and their use
- (407) Bespoke bridle fitting and measuring (snaffle bridl)
- (408) Bridle Fitting (double bridle)
- (409) Specialist bridles, accessories, and fault finding
- (411) Bridle Fitting and measuring synoptic written test. A ‘Synoptic’ paper will test candidates on the skills and knowledge gained during the course
On passing Assessment Candidates are awarded the City & Guilds / SMS Certificate in Bridle Fitting.
Please visit out Events & Courses page to book a place on forthcoming courses.
If you have not already joined the Society as a Trainee to enjoy the benefits and protections that membership brings, joining now means that you will be listed on the SMS Directory as an SMS Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter. Apply Now
Additional Learning
Complement your SMS Pathway saddle and bridle fitting development by attending courses provided by our training partners; BETA, Centaur Biomechanics, and Horses Inside Out. Attendance of a one day First Aid course is also highly recommended