Professional Journey and Accomplishments of a Master Saddler and Saddle Fitter
It is a privilege to have been part of this industry for over 40 years, yet not to have been so heavily involved throughout that I have become overly set in my thoughts and ways. I take pride in being open-minded and wholeheartedly embrace the notion that saddle fitting is a collaborative effort, one that involves an ensemble of professionals including physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, farriers, nutritionists, and veterinarians.
I hold a strong ethical perspective on saddle fitting. Everyone’s circumstances are valued, and I am committed to working within their specific parameters and budget. In our collaboration, you will find that I am not an advocate for elastic girths, stud girths, have a particular preference regarding the appropriate use of numnahs and saddle pads, but rest assured, in this diverse and ever-evolving field, the ultimate goal remains the well-being of the horse, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every decision made is in their best interest.
Early Years and Training
In 1983, I qualified as a Master Saddler and Harness maker after completing a four-year apprenticeship with Country Fair Saddlers in Edenbridge and Bridleways of Guildford. During this apprenticeship, I learned the traditional methods of making all aspects of equestrian tack and harness, hand-making every thread for stitching using hemp and beeswax, and smelting lead to create blocks for hole punches in the workshop—a true bygone era.
I attended Cordwainers in Mare Street, Hackney, where I was awarded a City & Guilds in Saddlery & Harness Making and a Distinction in Lorinery.
Awarded The Worshipful Company of Saddlers certification of Master Saddler and Harness Maker upon completion of a 4 year apprenticeship.
BHSAI
SMS (Society of Master Saddlers) Introductory Saddle Fitting course 1998
Equestrian Buyer at W & H Gidden, London until 1999
Sales rep with internet sensation Kickon.com!!
Return to the Industry
I continued in the trade as a bench saddler, gaining further experience until 2000. After approximately 15 years of working in other administrative roles and raising a family, I decided to return to the saddlery industry in 2017. Since then, I have refreshed and updated all skills and furthered my knowledge in new areas of interest, making a dressage saddle and double bridle for membership acceptance into the Society of Master Saddlers as a Qualified Saddler.
Qualifications and Continuous Professional Development
I have attended numerous conferences, seminars, residential courses, day courses, and taken various tests and exams, covering topics such as:
• SMS Introductory saddle fitting course 2017
• SMS Residential saddle fitters course 2018
• SMS Flocking course - City & Guilds 2018
• SMS QSF Saddle fitter - 2020
• ESMT Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist – 2019 - Advanced Practitioner certification in 2021
• Gillian Higgins – 2 day Anatomy & Biomechanics for saddle fitters - 2018 & 2020
• Horse Fit Bit course – comprehensive intro course into bits and bitting - 2019
SMS Intro to Bit and Bridle fitting course - 2020
• Lantra accredited Neue Schule Bit and Bridle Fitter - 2021
• Numerous whole horse dissections, primarily with Sharon May-Davis (wholehorsehealth.co.uk/dissection) or her trainees; Zefanja Vermeulen, Thirza Hendriks and Tina Fitzgibbon. (www.equinestudies.nl)
• Numerous webinars to include all but usually delivered by either Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire (www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk) and Gillian Higgins (www.horsesinsideout.com) Both hold annual conferences which host many professional guest speakers.​
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Industry Engagement
Several visits to Walsall, the heart of the British leather and saddlery industry, are taken each year to observe saddle makers and their factories.
Attending BETA trade fairs.
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Specific product training days presented directly by the following brands:
• Albion
• AH Saddles
• Bates, Arena & Wintec
• Black Country Saddles
• Erre Plus (Italy)
• Equipe and Amerigo
• Fairfax, Kent & Masters & Thorowgood
• GFS & Monarch
• Harry Dabbs
• Ideal Saddles
• Jeffries
• Prestige Italia
• Wow Saddles
ELLA SALTER-ADAMS
Registered SMS Trainee Saddle Fitter
Growing up on a dairy farm has instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility towards the animals in my care. My passion for animals led me to work my local hunt kennels at the age of 15, where I gained experience in walking out hounds and whipping in during the season in addition to my family's farm specialising in breeding, buying and producing wild native ponies which has given me extensive knowledge and confidence in handling horses.
As a child, I competed regularly in all disciplines with my young horses, and was selected for Pony Club and NSEA school teams in show jumping with my home-produced pony Dixie.
I achieved 8 GCSEs at grade C and above and a Level 2 Business course at college before my studies were cut short due COVID-19. I was fortunate enough to be offered an apprenticeship at the Sussex Equine Hospital, where I gained valuable experience assisting vets with surgical procedures and working within a professional team. After completing my apprenticeship and passing my driving test I set up as a freelance groom.
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Since joining Henrietta firstly as a groom and now as a trainee saddle fitter I have completed the SMS Intro to saddle fitting course and passed the City and Guild flocking course in addition to the SMS residential training course which now enables me to put into practice the training received until my final assessment in the next two years.