Apprenticeship training course

Bespoke saddler (level 3)

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Information about Bespoke saddler (level 3)

Making and repairing saddlery products.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • How to interpret industry terminology.
  • The tools and machinery used in the manufacture of saddlery products.
  • How to decide if a repair/restoration is both sustainable and viable in terms of safety and cost.
  • How to organise purchasing of materials and stock control.
  • How to keep accurate records relating to the sale, manufacture and repair of saddlery products.
  • The importance of effective customer service. For example, liaising on product suitability to agree specifications for bespoke products.
  • A range of saddlery products their type and suitability of style to individual customers. For example, saddles, bridles and other ancillary products.
  • The importance of timely workflow to the business.
  • The manufacturing processes for bridles and other saddlery equipment.
  • The manufacturing processes for saddles.
  • The impact of their product and work on saddle and bridle fitting.
  • The characteristics and behaviours of a variety of different leathers, materials, threads and fittings for their suitable application.
  • The manufacturing processes of wooden saddle trees.
  • Alternative technical advances in materials and construction.
  • How to interpret conformation relating to the anatomy of the horse to produce a bespoke fit.
  • The impact of their product and work on the welfare of the horse and safety of the rider.
  • How to interpret measurements of the horse to create a cutting list for cut and made up measurement including all necessary patterns.
  • How to maintain and safely use tools, equipment and machinery.
  • Material requirements for manufacture and the order of cost effective assembly.
  • The balance between hand stitching to a high standard in an acceptable time and contributes to the sustainability of the business.
  • Processes to adjust machines to sew a variety of differing materials. For example, specialist needles, feet, guides and tension setting.
  • How to implement saddlery hand skills to produce a finish that meets a high quality standard.
  • The style and size of hole in relation to the fittings required for the saddlery product.

  Skills

  • Assess given measurements from the horse to produce a cutting list showing both cut and made-up measurements, the amount of leather and fittings required.
  • Produce the patterns for the saddlery product(s) in readiness to cut material components.
  • Safely select, use, maintain and store equipment and materials; for example, correct storage of patterns, sharpening tools, purchasing materials and stock control.
  • Identify and minimise hazards and risks in the workplace to maintain work procedures ensuring health and safety requirements are met.
  • Maintain comprehensive records relating to the manufacture and repair of saddlery.
  • Discuss and advise on the type of leather for a specific use.
  • Carry out effective customer care.
  • Develop and maintain good communication skills with colleagues in order to ensure a productive work environment.
  • Prepare materials and fittings for the saddlery product.
  • Have overall responsibility for the finish and suitability of the completed saddlery product.
  • Follow clear instructions from relevant colleagues in order to meet customer requirements.
  • (When repairing a saddlery product), assess product and implement the appropriate sustainable method to remedy the problem.
  • Implement efficient and effective use of resources, time and materials.
  • Select, prepare and test tools and machinery, including adjustments for different leathers, materials and fittings.
  • Identify the correct materials, threads and fittings for the task and use in accordance with both customer requirements and company processes.
  • Recognise faults in leather, materials, threads and fittings.
  • During manufacture implement technical processes. For example, cut, edge, stain, crease, punch, prick mark and skive all components where necessary and applicable.
  • Assemble components in order of the manufacturing process in readiness for stitching.
  • When hand stitching saddlery products, double hand and single/back stitch where appropriate for appearance and durability.
  • Machine stitch a variety of different materials used in bridle and saddle manufacture.
  • (When bridle making), recrease and block all keepers as necessary.
  • Punch the correct size and style of hole for the fittings required for the saddlery product.
  • Clean and polish all edges.
  • (When saddle making), flock panels smoothly, evenly and to the correct specification.
  • Assemble completed saddlery product, maintaining the quality of hand craft skills and ensuring functionality.

  Behaviours

  • Commitment to maintaining high standards of precision and excellence.
  • Awareness and understanding to the effect of poorly fitted saddlery items to the horse and the safety of the rider.
  • Focus on the requirements of the customer.
  • Strong work ethic and commitment in order to meet the standards required.
  • Recognition and appreciation of equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Creative and design
• Qualification level: 3; Equal to A level
• Course duration: 24 months
• Maximum funding: £15,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Equestrian equipment repairer
  • Horse equipment maker
  • Saddle producer
  • Saddler

View more information about Bespoke saddler (level 3) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.