14/09/2026
SMS Code of Professional Conduct
Here at Freedom Saddlery, we firmly adhere to all aspects of the Society of Master Saddlers code of professional conduct.
This is in place to ensure:
✅ equine welfare is upheld
✅ rider safety is paramount
✅ knowledge is current,
✅ interdisciplinary working (vets, farriers, MSK professionals) is integral
✅ And ABSOLUTE integrity, transparency and professionalism between saddle fitters.
It is perfectly reasonable for clients to decide at some point to have saddles checked by a different SMS qualified fitter.
For example, a new fitter might be visiting your yard, or you might have moved area, or it might be tricky getting time off work to see your usual fitter.
There is a clear professional expectation that the original fitter should be given the opportunity to handover information about the horse and its history, to support the next saddle fitter.
This is in place for your horse’s benefit. It also has the additional benefit for you as consumer to feel confident in the professionalism of the new saddle fitter you are seeing.
For example, if a replacement saddle is recommended, as a consumer you can take confidence in the fact that the new fitter has abided by the code, and is being totally transparent.
So, if you are changing to use a new saddle fitter, for whatever reason, please always ensure there is openness and transparency, and absolute professionalism. Beware a fitter who does not operate professionally in this way.
Of course we all would prefer to continue working with longstanding clients, but sometimes it is not possible. We can only advise on what we see on the day, and what saddle models are on the market at the time. Things move on. Horses change shape.
All new clients booking a consultation with Freedom Saddlery will be asked to provide information as to previous fitters. And they will be contacted if the code requires this. Equally Freedom Saddlery is ready to share your file information with any new fitter you work with.
This code is there to protect you and your horse - not the saddle fitter!