About Freedom Saddlery
Freedom Saddlery is one of only a very small number of independent saddle fitters in the world with the following qualifications. Freedom Saddlery fits saddles for all horses, abilities and disciplines.
Stephanie Bradley, of Freedom Saddlery is:
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Society of Master Saddlers Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter
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Society of Master Saddlers 'Master Saddle Fitters'*
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Society of Master Saddlers lecturer and assessor
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Grand Prix dressage rider
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BHS Accredited Professional Coach and Mentor
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BD Accredited Professional Coach and Mentor
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BHS Stage I & II
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UKCC Level 4 Coach
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MSc Sport Coaching
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BHS Accredited Mentor
* an accolade earned by qualified saddle fitters who have many years experience of saddle fitting, having demonstrated high expertise and had high levels of client satisfaction from an independent survey.
Freedom Saddlery was born out of my own personal frustration at the 'mystique' that seemed to surround what should be a straightforward process.
Through Freedom Saddlery I have one fundamental aim: To provide independent, professional, qualified, impartial saddle fitting advice which improves the welfare of the ridden horse. My holistic approach incorporates the influence of the horse, the saddle and the rider.
Both riding and coaching to me is an essential element for high level saddle fitting advice.
It is important to understand how a horse moves and feels, and how the saddle allows freedom of correct movement - or not. Saddle fit requires an assessment of rider effectiveness and position - an influential factor to consider.
I ride competitively, with my late horse Trevor with whom I trained from Elementary to Inter 1. With Desmond, who is training through the levels - and said no at the more collected work so we are enjoying hacking and pole work. And Im currently training at Grand Prix with my lovely horse Beau.
I am an Andy Thomas Testt certified coach for 2022, rider symmetry being a key aspect of coaching and saddle fitting. I enjoy regular training with Dianne Breeze and Dane Rawlins - and occasionally have had the odd lesson with Stephen Clarke and Gareth Hughes.
I'm passionate about saddle research and improving wellbeing and performance through scientifically proven knowledge. I was instrumental in the recent (and peer reviewed) Hartpury research on T18 - helping saddle fitters to be more consistent in their methodology. I have been delighted to join some working groups looking at improving the saddle fitting profession as a whole. I joined the Executive Board of the Society of Master Saddlers in 2019 and I am keen to make a positive difference to take the Society forwards.
An organisation that should need no introduction. The S.M.S. is the only accredited saddle fitting qualification in the world, with highly experienced practitioners lecturing and examining.
The organisation is totally independent and stands alone. Managed by an experienced and knowledgeable Executive Board of Directors from all aspects of saddlery, committed to move the saddlery profession forwards to reflect the increasing importance of ensuring the welfare of the horse. Embracing the latest research and regularly providing it's members with up to date CPD and webinars to increase knowledge.
The SMS qualification provided a detailed and practical saddle fitting knowledge, lectured by some of the most experienced saddle fitters in the world. This is the most highly regarded saddle fitting qualification and training available worldwide and takes years to complete.