Fee Includes:

• Tuition & project materials are included (some tools are available for purchase, candidate should do their best to source before course - see tool list below)

• Meals - lite breakfast (coffee and bagels) plus lunch and refreshments throughout the day.  

• Accommodation - is not included and must be arranged by the delegate as well as transportation (recommendations provided upon request)

 

Course Objective - This level teaches the candidates in saddlery skills needed to begin their training in English saddle and bridle making.

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A prerequisite for North American Saddlery courses -

• Saddle making levels

• Bridle making levels

• Recommended to skills for those seeking SMS Saddle fitting qualifications

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Skills - Assignments have been developed in each area to allow candidates to demonstrate their craft skills in the beginning areas. These include; measuring, cutting, edging, staining, rubbing up, stitching and hole punching, choosing tools and leather at a basic level. You will be required to make the following projects 

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• Belt

• Knife case

• Needle case

• Buckle guards

• Stirrup leathers

• Irish martingale

• Bridle headpiece

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This level is all done by hand.

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Bridlework Tools Required *We have tools for sharing & using in class. You do not have to have all the tools as this is an investment and gets pricey. We do have limited tools for sale however this is also a topic we learn about and discuss during class. Tools are a personal preference but saddlery also requires some specific tools.  This is always complicated and a learning process but the following items below are the start of your bridle making tool kit.

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• Skiving Knife; used to thin down bends and turns.

• Head Knife; used to cut leather. 

• Sharp Scissors: used to create clean cuts on thread. 

• 3/18 Thread; the correct size for stitching most bridlework projects.

• Screw Compass; for measuring and getting parts even and level.

• Pricking Irons; No 8, No 10 in 1” and 1 ½” for marking your stitch lines.

• Loop Sticks; used for blocking your keepers.

• Straight Edges; used for marking and making straight lines, cuts, etc.

• Pippen Punch: used for marking holes where hook studs are used.

• Wax Block; for waxing thread making stitching easier.

• Stitching Awl; used for punching stitch holes when threading the leather.

• Scratch Awl; used for marking leather.

• Bone; used for buffing, removing markings, turning edges.

• Double Edge Screw Crease; used for creasing leather.

• Flat Nose Pliers; used for helping to stitch.

• Edgers; No1, No2, No3; used to bevel edge on leatherwork.

• Leather or Nath Mallet; used to hit punches to mark or punch leather.

• Stitching Needles; No3, No4 used for sewing leatherwork.

• Leather Punch; used for making holes, several types and styles available.

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Registration

This course must be paid in full at time the of registration and is non refundable and non transferrable. Please see our online booking page; book online for available dates

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North American Saddlery School

11655 Rocky Meadow Rd

Clear Spring, MD 21722 USA

 

or

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saddleryschool@gmail.com

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*Please note that deposits and course fees are non refundable, however cancellations will carry over for one year after the date of cancellation and the candidate will have to pay any increase in tuition. Please see the complete policy above.