Busting Myths 12 - A Master Saddler told me he doesn't fit saddles - isn't qualified to do so. Can this be right?

There are many myths that have been going around with regards to saddlery and the use thereof. In this series of posts, I endeavour to show most of them are without foundations and can, in some cases, be the opposite of the actual facts.

Pictured left is author Kay Hastilow, Master Saddler and Master Saddle Fitter.

 

"A Master Saddler told me he doesn't fit saddles - isn't qualified to do so. Can this be right?

To answer this question let us first look at what exactly the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) does.

It is a trade organisation representing and supporting all aspects of the saddlery trade.

Its stated aims are, amongst other things, to uphold the standard of workmanship, provide training and oversee qualifications, and to ensure the comfort and safety of both horse and rider.

The organisation has many categories of membership, including ‘manufacturers’ and ‘trade’ but the ones that concern you, the public are the different qualifications held by members that are relevant TO YOUR requirements.

The standard of qualification may be ‘Qualified’, in other words have trained in and hold qualifications in certain sections, or Master, which means that in addition, they have spent many years working in that field and have shown the highest standards of workmanship and customer care.

The R in front of any qualification indicates that the holder’s membership is up to date (Registered) and that they therefore agree to abide by the SMS code of conduct and will hold suitable insurance.

So, the relevant categories.

A Qualified (R Q S) or Master saddler (R M S) will make and repair saddlery and leather goods.

A Qualified (R Q S F) or Master saddle fitter (R M S F) fits saddles to horses and ponies.

A Qualified (R Q B) or Master bridle maker (R M B) specialises in making and repairing bridlework.

A Qualified (R Q H) or Master harness maker( R M H) makes and repairs driving harness.

A Qualified bridle fitter (R Q B F) - a new category so no Master status yet, measures for and fits bridlework.

I hope that the Harness and Bridle categories are self-explanatory but let us look at what the Saddler and Saddle Fitter categories do.

It might well be that a member holds more than one qualification. I, for example, am both a Master Saddler and a Master Saddle Fitter. A member in Wales is a Master Saddler, Master Saddle Fitter, Master Harness Maker and Master Bridle Maker! A very talented lady.

Qualified or Master Saddlers make the most beautiful items of leather work but will not necessarily know much about horses, riders or their requirements, so although some can and will fit saddles (often they will be experienced in this) they hold no qualification in this field so you cannot assume that someone holding the qualification ‘Qualified’ or ‘Master Saddler’ will know how to fit saddles. This is not the first person to ask to fit a saddle for you.

A Qualified or Master Saddle Fitter on the other hand will have a good understanding of horses, riders and their requirements, will know enough to fit a saddle well or inform a Master Saddler how a saddle needs to be made or altered for a particular horse / rider combination.

In the perfect world your Qualified or Master Saddle Fitter will also be a Qualified or Master Saddler and although they might not actually make the saddle for you, they can make alterations to a saddle that they are fitting to get as near perfect as possible. They will also be able to explain to the saddle maker in detail exactly how a saddle needs to be put together and ‘set up’ – especially useful if fitting a challenging shape of horse or rider.

So, there we have it. If you are looking to have a saddle fitted look for someone with the initials

‘R M S F’ or ‘R Q S F.’

 If you want an item of saddlery made or repaired look for

‘R M S’ or ‘RQ S.’

 

Understanding more about saddles and saddle fitting has the potential to help you improve your horse's comfort, performance and also long-term soundness - and you can now do that online, whenever and wherever fits into your busy lifestyle.

With online learning and training credibly established as 'the new normal', Kay's highly acclaimed and informative 2-part video series continues to sell around the world since its launch in 2019. Aptly titled Saddle Fitting Know How - For Riders and Trainers, the two videos distil her 50 years of experience into over an hour of what is an unrivalled go-to resource for all Riders and Trainers interested in saddles and saddle fitting. They contain a wealth of information that will be of practical relevance to everyone serious about improving their riding, competing with more success or at a higher level and for those whose career is focused on training riders to develop their horses correctly.
Watch a brief trailer and buy securely online for unlimited streaming or downloading to your device at
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/saddlefittingknowhow

 

If you are working as a saddle fitter or in training for a career in saddle fitting, Kay's 8-part video series titled Fitting Saddles: The Essential Guide will support your learning and help you develop a more in-depth knowledge of the subject and include invaluable insights into running a successful business as an SMS qualified saddle fitter.

Watch a trailer and invest in one or more of the series that together form a definitive resource to enhance your understanding of saddles and saddle fitting.
Buy securely online for unlimited streaming or downloading to your device at
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/fittingsaddles