The Saddler's Technique Ltd.
About The Western Saddle Fitters Course
Looking to turn your love for horses into a fulfilling career? The Saddler's Technique offers training courses for individuals who aspire to ultimately become LANTRA certified consultant saddle fitters either with The Western Saddler Ltd. or independently. Our courses are taught by industry experts who are dedicated to ensuring you have the knowledge and skills to succeed in this exciting field of horse-comfort based saddle fitting.
Please see our prospectus for more information (downloads straight to your computer).
Looking for a way to get involved and help improve horse comfort? The Western Saddle Fitters' Course is perfect for you! This highly detailed course will teach you everything you need to know about saddle fitting and give you all the tools to become a trained professional. We understand the importance of keeping our equines comfortable while riding for both theirs and our well-being and safety. We offer a supportive and in-depth training experience with a small cohort to allow individual attention and support that allows you to make a real difference to many equines lives. Join us and after successful completion of our course should you wish to apply and work alongside The Western Saddler Ltd. to make a real difference in the comfort of equines, on successful acceptance we would be very happy to have you onboard.
The Western Saddler Ltd., one of the UK's longest-established and busiest western saddle fitters. Our comprehensive course is designed to equip you with the skills needed for a successful career in saddle fitting. Upon completion and acceptance, you'll find a variety of work opportunities awaiting you, ensuring you're well-prepared to step confidently into the business. Join us and take the first step towards your future in saddle fitting!
Course Outline
(may be subject to change)
Module 1 - The Western Saddle
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English and Western saddles - a comparison.
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Western saddles: structure, function, styles, makes, models, materials and care.
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Western saddle trees: types, angles and measurements.
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Western saddle accessories: saddle pads, cinches, etc. - purpose, development, types, styles, materials and fitting.​
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Record keeping.
Module 3 - Equine Anatomy & Physiology
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The skeletal system - anatomy and maturation.
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Range of motion of the axial skeleton. The appendicular skeleton.
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The muscular system - major muscle groups and understanding the horse's back.
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Static and dynamic conformation, gait analysis and condition scoring.
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Working within professional boundaries.
Module 2 - Equine - Human Psychology
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Understanding the true nature of the horse and its response to domestication.
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How equines signal stages of discomfort, anxiety and fear.
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How to predict, understand and make rational judgements about equine behaviour.
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Donkeys, mules, horses and their differences.
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Working safely with equines and their handlers.​
Module 4 - Rules and Regulations
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Law
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Finance
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Accountancy
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Health and safety
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Record keeping
Module 5 - The Consultation
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Preliminary information gathering.
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Assessing horse and rider.
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Measuring for saddle fit, padding, shimming and girthing.
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Evaluating saddle fit, first without and then with the rider.
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Providing excellent customer service.
Module 6 - Professional Presentation
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Demonstrating complete familiarity with different Western saddles, bridles, accessories and their constituent parts.
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Presenting professionally and appropriately for safety and security with equines.
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Listening carefully to a client and explaining clearly how you will work.
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Knowing when to recommend something other than a saddle e.g., a bareback pad, treeless etc.
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Knowing when and where to refer a client if you cannot source suitable products for the horse and rider.
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To recognise your existing knowledge, skills and strengths.
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To support your independent practice of what you learn throughout the course.
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To properly prepare you for your End-Point Assessment.
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To give you a reference book to look back on and use in your future career.
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To provide you with evidence of attainment for any future courses that you may wish to undertake.
Module 7 - Case Studies
Dates & Times
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This is a twelve-month course, offered over five intensive weekends to give you time for wider reading, time for practice and to prepare your case studies.
The day runs from 8.30am-5pm.
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The course dates are as follows:
Module 1: 24/25th May 2025
Module 2: 28/29th June 2025
Module 3: 13/14th September 2025
Module 4: 25/26th October 2025
Module 5: 15/16th November 2025
Module 6: 27/28/29/30th November 2025
Module 7: TBA with each learner
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You will be invited to take part in a number of informal, learner directed days for practical revision and review. These usually take place in Ringwood, Hampshire.
Accompanying Maria and/or one of our already qualified fitters on saddle consultations for shadowing experience is also required at various times once Module 3 has been completed.
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Students are required to attend the Horsemanship Showcase 2025 and National Equine Show 2026, for team and individual presentation activities for Module 6. ​​
Please note that places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis and the deadline for applications for this year is 21st April 2025.
See our prospectus for more information and the application form (downloads straight to your computer). Payment plan now available.
Location
Venue: The venue for levels 1-4 is Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Wambrook, Chard. TA20 3DH. Home | Ferne Animal Sanctuary - a registered charity, which I am delighted to support. Ferne Animal Sanctuary is in a beautiful location and has excellent facilities, including free parking, a well-resourced classroom, café and the centre is also kindly offering us a variety of equines to work with. We also use horses from our own herd: a quarter horse, a Paint horse, a rotund cob, a Rocky Mountain horse and an Icelandic (both gaited) and a mule. This will ensure that we have a diversity of shape, size and temperament to work with, in which to identify and meet a wide range of saddle fitting need.
More Information
To find out more please about this course and the opportunity of working alongside The Western Saddler Ltd., please fill in the following contact form and we will set up a date for a phone call to discuss the course in more detail.
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