Is your Saddle Fitter Qualified?

You are putting the welfare of your horse in their hands, so wouldn’t you like to know?

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE…

The Society of Master Saddlers “City and Guilds” Qualification is still the ONLY independently assessed, verified and regulated qualification in the world for saddle fitting. #cityandguilds

Be aware that other certificated courses/programmes set up by organisations/individuals are not ‘qualifications’ and can vary greatly.

Not all courses are equal! #knowthedifference

So what is the difference?

A qualification is for life. It demonstrates you have been independantly assessed/examined and met the required ‘National’ standard of competence. Eg a diploma, degree etc. A qualification is awarded by an awarding body who is registered by OFQUAL.

Certificatation on the other hand varies greatly and anyone can offer it. Whilst certification can prove that an individual has completed a learning process and achieved the stated objectives by an organisation, membership body or employer you should check out the detail.

Did you know some certificates are awarded following attendance on a one day course?

Some courses are online only, whilst others follow a full programme of learning and practical sessions with course work and internal assessments that can last several days/weeks.

In saddle fitting, some courses are run by saddle manufacturers or brands for their sales representatives or stockists, others by qualified saddle fitters but be aware some are run by unqualified professionals .

Some courses have accreditation from membership organisations such as the Rural Skills Council and are able to provide certificates of learning from them. These demonstrate a level of learning and can often provide a great foundation for people looking to do the city and guilds qualification in saddle fitting in the future.

People awarded certificates may sometimes refer to themselves as ‘certified’ reflecting the fact have been awarded a certificate others may claim to be qualified.

A qualification is for life whereas certification may have to be renewed.

Don’t be afraid to ask your Fitter what qualifications they hold, after all you are putting the welfare of your horse in their hands!

REMEMBER there is only one independent qualification in saddle fitting, so if you want a registered qualified saddle fitter near you, visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

These fitters are fully qualified and insured and if things go wrong, you have the full support of the Society’s complaints process.

If a saddle fitter hasn’t got the city and guilds qualification or is not a trainee with the Society of Master Saddlers, the chances are they may not have the correct professional indemity insurance to protect you.

#followthebadge #qualifedsaddlefitter #mastersaddlers