First Steps in the Trump Era

Why use a SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter from The Society of Master Saddlers

Using a Society of Master Saddlers' Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter assures knowledgeable and professional service of the highest standard. 

As the most influential professional body in the world connected with saddlery, the Society has put enormous effort into improving saddle fitting standards including instituting what remains the only non-commercially linked saddle fitting qualification in the world. The qualification has been approved by City & Guilds / NPTC, a UK qualification awarding body, and is recognised by equine vets and physiotherapists and other professionals working in the equestrian industry.

Before undertaking assessment, candidates for the qualification must have had an absolute minimum of three years’ saddle fitting experience. During the assessment candidates must prove ability to handle horses of different ages and temperaments. They must be able to age horses and describe them in detail, undertake back examinations and locate asymmetric development or sensitive or sore areas.

They are required to assess horses walked and run up in hand and identify unlevel steps or lameness. Record keeping, including making wither templates, is also assessed. Above everything, candidates must prove ability to select and fit saddles for horses with widely varying conformation.

Using a Society of Master Saddlers' Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter assures knowledgeable and professional service of the highest standard.