Exploring Your Pathway in Saddlery: How Walsall Leather Skills Centre Can Help
Starting your journey into saddlery and leatherworking is an exciting opportunity to develop craftsmanship and work with an industry that values tradition, precision, and equine welfare. At Walsall Leather Skills Centre (WLSC), we align our courses with the Skills Assessment standards set by the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) to ensure you’re on the right path to a rewarding career.
The SMS Pathway and EFC Standards
Becoming an SMS-Qualified Saddle Fitter
The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) provides a clear pathway to becoming an SMS Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter (SMS RQSF) or SMS Register Qualified Bridle Fitter (SMS RQBF). From introductory courses and continued professional development to vocational qualifications, the SMS ensures saddle and bridle fitters are equipped with the technical expertise to prioritise horse welfare and rider safety. As part of this journey, you’ll need to gain hands-on experience with leatherwork, flocking and saddle repair, which are critical foundations of saddle fitting.
The Role of the Equine Fitters Council (EFC)
The Equine Fitters Council highlights the importance of proper saddle, bridle, and harness fitting for equine welfare. They set high standards for the industry to encourage all fitters, regardless of their route to the Equine Fitting, to meet professional benchmarks. Their guidance emphasises the importance of commitment to high standards, horse welfare, progressive training and continuous professional development.
WLSC courses are designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to begin your career, whether you’re following the SMS pathway or exploring broader leatherworking opportunities.
How WLSC Courses Fit In
At Walsall Leather Skills Centre, we specialise in equipping aspiring leatherworkers and saddlers with the tools and techniques needed to excel. Our courses directly support your progression into saddlery, saddle fitting, and related disciplines:
Foundation Leatherworking Course
This introductory course provides the perfect starting point, offering:
- A comprehensive overview of leather as a material.
- Skills in cutting, stitching, and finishing.
- Hands-on experience making items like belts, cardholders, and pouches.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the essential skills to progress onto more specialised pathways, including saddlery.
Intermediate and Advanced Harness and Bridle Courses
For those looking to build on their foundational skills, our Harness and Bridle Pathways offer an excellent way to develop versatility:
- Harness Making: Learn to create durable and functional harnesses, ideal for equestrian and driving purposes.
- Bridle Making: Develop intricate skills to craft bridles that prioritise comfort, function, and aesthetics.
These courses teach techniques that are not only essential for saddlery but also transferable to other areas of leatherwork, such as custom goods, repair, or artistic projects.
Saddlery Pathway
Our saddlery-focused courses prepare you for further SMS qualifications:
- Develop the skills to create and repair saddles, including hand stitching, flocking, and leather carving.
- Gain practical experience that aligns with SMS standards, helping you work toward the Level 2 and Level 3 City & Guilds Saddlery Certificates.
These advanced levels position you as a professional saddler capable of working in equestrian workshops, starting your own business, or pursuing the SMS Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter status.
Why Choose WLSC?
Industry Expertise
Located in the heart of Walsall’s historic leatherworking hub, WLSC is uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality training that combines traditional methods with modern techniques.
Hands-On Learning
All our courses emphasise practical, hands-on learning, allowing you to master skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Step-by-Step Progression
From foundational skills to advanced techniques, our courses are designed to guide you through each stage of your leatherworking journey, ensuring you’re well-prepared for SMS and EFC-recognised qualifications.
A Quote from the Equine Fitters Council
As the Equine Fitters Council highlights:
“The correct fitting of saddle, harness, bit, or bridle is essential to the welfare of the working or leisure horse. Developing a foundation in leatherworking is key to achieving the high standards required in equestrian industries.”
Take the First Step with WLSC
Whether you’re looking to start your journey into saddlery, equestrian leatherwork or wanting to create non-equestrian leathergoods, our courses provide the skills and experience you need to succeed. With pathways aligned to SMS and EFC standards, we’ll help you turn your passion into a professional career.
Explore ourcourses today and discover your future in leatherworking.
