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The Society of Master Saddlers
The Society of Master Saddlers was formed in 1966 to serve as a Trade Association for the craft retail saddler, but has since embraced all aspects of the Trade. The Society's aims are to safeguard the quality of work, services, training and qualifications of all those who work in the saddlery trade from manufacturers and retailers through individual craftspeople and saddle fitters.
QUALIFIED SADDLERS are individuals who are trained, skilled and qualified in their own right to make and repair saddlery, but do not necessarily have retail premises. Qualified Saddlers will hold level 3 City & Guilds saddlery
qualifications, or will have completed a formal 4 year apprenticeship
REGISTERED QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTERS will be either a Society member in their own right
or employed by a member. They will have been fitting saddles for a minimum of 3 years and hold the Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitters Certificate.
British Equestrian Trade Association
BETA was formed in 1979 and has grown to be recognised and accepted as the official representative body for the equestrian manufacturing, wholesale, and retail trade by Government and leading riding organisations.
There are over 800 member companies, covering a wide range of businesses including not only retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers, but also agents, dealers and many service based businesses. All members are involved in some way with equestrianism.
BETA is committed to the promotion of BETA members to the riding public, to on-going market research to inform both our members and the wider equestrian industry on the state of the market, and horse riding as a leisure activity.
International Equestrian Federation (FEI)
The FEI promotes equestrianism in all its forms and encourages the development of the FEI equestrian disciplines throughout the world. Fair play, equality, complicity with the animal and respect for the environment and the horse are the core values of the FEI.
Equestrianism is the only sport that involves two athletes, equine and human. It is the successful partnership between these two elements; the relationship of confidence and respect that is built up between them, that makes the sport so exceptional.