Proud Members of:Further information on the Saddle Fitting courses.
Saddle Fitting Introduction
The SMS Introduction to Saddle Fitting course functions both as the foundation for those wishing to continue training and qualify as an SMS Saddle Fitter, and for equine professionals looking to add an understanding of saddle 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 our practical content, allowing you to watch and try various stages in the SMS Saddle Fitting process.
The complete Introductory course runs over a total of two days
Webinar contents
- Introduction to the Course
- Tree Design
- Saddle Trees & Construction
- Identifying Faults in Saddles
- Maintaining Records
- A veterinary surgeon’s 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
Practical training
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 full course is open to any equine or related professionals, saddlers, or those interested in pursuing saddle 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
Webinar: £163+ VAT
Practical: £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.
Webinar: £180+ VAT
Practical: £275+ VAT
All other allied professionals, and those considering a saddle fitting career
Webinar: £190+ VAT
Practical: £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.
Qualified Course
The Qualified Saddle 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 saddle fitting.
This intensive course is delivered in two or three parts:
- The five day intensive course may be split up so that theory lectures are delivered online with
- Three practical demonstration and tuition days, and
- One assessment day
UK Candidate assessment is most often deferred for 6-12 months. International candidates may be assessed on the day following the practical course.
Candidates should fulfil all of the following criteria:
- Be in full time employment with a fully paid up member of the Society of Master Saddlers (UK) Ltd or be a member in their own right or submit written recommendations for attendance from 3 SMS members (from a minimum of 2 membership categories, at least one of which must be a UK trade / manufacturing member)
- Be, or have the services of, a fully qualified saddler holding Level 3 City & Guilds saddlery qualifications to carry out major saddle flocking and adjustments or have major alterations carried out by manufacturing member.
- Have three years’ experience in saddle fitting. (Fulfilment of this criteria is recommended as the level of tuition assumes that delegates are experienced saddle fitters. See pre-course advice).
- Have previously attended the Introductory Course in saddle fitting or submit details of formal saddle fitting courses attended and it will be considered whether these can be taken as equivalent to the Introductory Course.
- Hold the Society’s Saddle Flocking qualification. (Further information available on request)
*PLEASE NOTE PRICES ARE CORRECT ON DATE OF PAGE EDIT. PLEASE CHECK THE PRICE ON THE CURRENT APPLICATION FORM
The course fee includes:
- Five full days of practical and theory lectures. Access to on-line training facility.
- All meals and refreshments
- Course manual
- Accommodation for 5 nights is in a single college room with en-suite bathroom
SMS MEMBERS UK
- Webinars £530+VAT
- Practical Course: £1875+ VAT
- Assessment: £450+ VAT
- City & Guilds registration fee: £75
SMS MEMBERS INTERNATIONAL
- Webinars £530+VAT
- Practical Course: £1875+VAT
- Assessment: £450 +VAT
- City & Guilds registration fee: £75
NON MEMBERS UK
- Webinars £610+VAT
- Course: £2155+ VAT
- Assessment: £450+ VAT
- City & Guilds registration fee: £75
NON MEMBERS INTERNATIONAL
- Webinars £610+VAT
- Course: £2155+ VAT
- Assessment: £450+ VAT
- City & Guilds registration fee: £75
Candidates will be assessed on the following procedures:
Written paper, Conformation & Action in Hand, Horse Description, Saddle Assessment and Fault Identification, Taking Templates and Practical Saddle Fitting of two horses
On passing Assessment Candidates are awarded the City & Guilds / SMS Certificate in Saddle Fitting.
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 Saddle Fitter. Apply to become a member