Posted: 29th November 2019 | Back to news feed
New City & Guilds Bridle Fitting and Measuring Qualification launched by the Society of Master Saddlers
After a year and a half of research and development, the Society of Master Saddlers has launched a new and forward thinking Bridle Fitting Qualification.
This new initiative aims to raise standards in the industry and enhance equine welfare.
The qualification, approved by City & Guilds, has been developed over 18 months and the course to accompany it will enrol its first students in the summer of 2020.
At the centre of all the Society’s suite of qualifications, which are all approved by City & Guilds, is equine welfare which drives members forwards to deliver the best saddlery services and goods in the world.
The Society ran several Introductory Bridle Fitting courses which led to the decision to create the qualification as interest was increasing year on year with more importance being placed on well-fitting bridles, as well as correctly fitting saddles.
Said Hazel Morley, the Society’s Chief Executive: “We are very grateful to the Loriner’s Company who have assisted with grants to aid the running of the courses and provided first-class tuition with Tricia Nassau Williams as our lead lecturer on bitting. Also to the Saddlers Company who made a considerable contribution to the cost of developing the qualification with City & Guilds. We very much look forward to enrolling our first students in summer next year.”
Six highly experienced Master Saddlers and Bridle Makers, Frances Roche, Catherine Baker, Sam Belasco, Emily White, Karen Schlotter and Helen Reader as well as bitting expert and lead lecturer, Tricia Nassau Williams and bridle fitting specialist Diane Fisher, recently undertook the City & Guilds assessment. This was internally moderated by the SMS to ensure that all were fairly assessed and have been approved to carry out the assessments in the future.
Photo: Frances Roche and Helen Reader during the assessment
All of them were successfully assessed and gained the Society of Master Saddlers’ City & Guilds Certificate in Bridle Fitting and Measuring.
The Society also offers a revised Saddle Fitting Qualification and a Flocking and Flocking Adjustment Qualification, amongst others in the saddlery craft sector.
These highly regarded qualifications have raised the profile of The Society of Master Saddlers worldwide and they continue to lead the way in exemplary saddlery attracting members who are passionate about the welfare of the horse and in keeping up to date with the latest developments in the industry.
For further information about the Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or telephone 01449 711642.
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