The student is required to put in a minimum of 100 hours in the month, however most students put in twice that many.

Brian would like you to bring a camera to take pictures along the way and to take basic notes (this is a must!) that may assist you in future saddle-making endeavours. You will be shown the basics of how a saddle is built, while building your own. Your saddle and breast collar will last you many years as well as give you the satisfaction in knowing that you participated in their construction. We usually start work in the shop at 9 AM and quit between 4 and 5 PM, 5.5 days a week. A good working knowledge of English or translating dictionary is a must.

Instruction

The Saddle Making School offered by the shop is a one on one experience. Brian takes one student at a time and works side by side with them as he and student each build a saddle.

Step by step, detailed instruction is offered to the student. All students are required to keep a detailed set of notes for future reference. All of the tools that are necessary will be available for use but a student will have to buy their own after completing the course.

The student works on saddles, harness, halters, belts, and most repairs that come into the shop. The school is conducted in a working saddle shop so that the student is exposed to all facets of the business. Carving and stamping is taught as well as some basic braiding.

They will be at the shop a minimum of 100 hours, which generally takes about one month, but can vary depending upon the student's needs.

A good working knowledge of English is essential, but not necessary, and a translating dictionary is a must.

Meet our former students >>

What You Have at the End of the Program

The student, at the completion of the course, will have built themselves

• a saddle
• a bridle
• a breast collar
• and either chaps or saddlebags

All materials for the above are supplied by the school and are included in the cost. At the completion of the course the student will be able to either work in a saddle shop or open their own shop. You are welcome to copy any of our patterns that you would like.

Equipment & Supplies

All the tools necessary are provided to students while at the Saddle Shop. Students are also required to keep a detailed set of notes for future reference.

The shop supplies all tools for use while in school, but students will have to purchase their own tools after school is completed.  A list outlining where and how to obtain tools and supplies will be made available to each student.

The shop and our accommodations are NON-SMOKING.

Schedule

Classes go from 9am - 5pm daily, and run from Monday through Saturday, with Sunday off.

In the evenings, the student needs to go over their rough notes and transcribe them to their good notebook. There are also several books that they need to study and read while they are here. Many students put in well above the required time, and the shop is available.

Costs

The course is booked by the month on a first come first served basis, with cost being $4,900.00 Canadian (plus GST). Foreign residents may apply for a GST rebate. A deposit of $2,500.00 is required upon registration to hold the requested space, otherwise it is not considered confirmed and will not be held for a student.  The balance ($2,000.00) is payable at the time the student arrives at the saddle shop. Spaces are limited, so book early to get the months you want.

Note: We now take Visa, Master Card, American Express as well as debit card.