Journeyman Saddle Fitter Training -SFT200-

Once you have some experience with how horse and rider come together and work around a saddle, it is time to delve deeply into all the variables that exist when selecting a saddle.

This course will include common methods for modifying or ordering a saddle for a particular horse and rider. How different brands market or name their various features, and what common saddle fit options are most commonly used for various specializations.

What if the balance is off on a well fitting saddle? What do we do if the panels are the wrong shape? What kinds of trees are in what sorts of saddles and how to tell. 

If you want to start to see how saddles are made, and what variables effect fit, use, and longevity, this course will take you thru all of the modifications, ordering details, how to ask for what your client needs, and how to adjust or work with saddles that your client already has. 

This hybrid course will include 2 in person practical sessions, as well as online education, group discussions, and case studies. At the final practical session of the course, we will offer testing for your journeyman level certification. 

Our second level course is designed to help refine your saddle "reading" abilities and enhance your abilities to select the options that will best serve your client and their horse. This course is the second level towards becoming an independent and educated saddle fitter.  This level of course will include manipulations of the saddle to better fit the horse, how to flock and adjust a saddle for balance and comfort, and how to begin and run an ethical and successful business. We believe strongly that being trained by just one brand is not enough to create a lasting career in horses or saddles. We believe in training you to read the structures of a saddle, and their functions in use for horse and rider. 

SFT 200 – Journeyman Saddle Fitter (Pre – Reqs: Novice Saddle Fitter or equivalent/ 200 hours)

Course will function as a basis of saddle fitting and will cover basic topics to include differentiation between types of saddles, identification of parts of saddles, basic saddle design. Intro to saddle fitting. Anatomy of horse and equestrian. Identifying when a saddle is unsafe or unfit for either horse or equestrian. Basic fitting adjustments using shims, and pads. This course will be offered in a hybrid format including online self paced learning, class meetings online with discussion groups and special guest speakers, and a 3 day in person practical training to include demonstration riders, and a variety of saddle types and brands for you to view with horses and riders. 

Course Topics: 

•  Balance in anatomy of the horse and human
  
• biomechanical movement, proper posture, and horse/rider connection
• Integration of saddle features that effect or enhance saddle comfort
• Simple adjustments to aid horse and rider comfort
  
• Appointment standards and basic operations
• Business ethics, accounting, and structure
• Liability and Insurance 
• Client relations and best practices
• Externships and how to increase your skills and get practice
• Case Studies and local practice
  

Pre-Requisites:

We require that in order to take the second level of class that you attended an introductory saddle fitting course, either with us or thru one of the other equivalent international schools.

To begin any work in this field you must be familiar with basic barn operations, and horse handling, something that isn't a prerequisite for some of the other introductory courses. It is helpful if you have ridden in multiple english disciplines or spent time managing horses. Even better if you still ride or manage horses.  

Course Requirements:

You will be required to have your own internet connection, computer/device to participate in class and discussions. We recommend a laptop but any device with internet, speakers, and a camera will suffice.

We will supply you with files and information for the class, you will be required to obtain your own saddle fitting supplies, although we do supply a list of items and suppliers.

We have a recommended reading list, which is recommended but not required. And you are responsible for your own travel and accomodations for the practical portion of all classes.  

Testing/Certification: 

We will schedule final exams during our second practical training time together. There will be a requirement to submit case studies and knowledge checks thoroughout the course, but those can be done at your pace and from your own location. 

This course does lead to an opportunity to test for your Journeyman Saddle Fitter Certification and successful completion of that certification examination will open up the opportunity to attend the Masters Level course and to sit the final independent saddle fitting certification.  

We work close with a number of saddle brands and manufacturers within the International Guild of Saddlers and Saddle Fitters to establish the metrics for examination and granting certification to students who successfully complete our programs. Although those tests are independent of our school, our courses set you up for success in those rigorous certification processes.