Saddlemaker Sophia
Raising money to fund saddlery and saddle fitting training in England
Cambridge, Waikato
I'm fundraising for my trip overseas to become a saddle and saddle fitter, to benefit horses and riders in New Zealand.
To become a qualified saddler I'll be studying at Capel Manor College in London for two years, then spending one year as an apprentice. I'll also be training as a saddle fitter at the same time through the Society of Master Saddlers.
This is very expensive (course fees alone for one year start at £11,000!) and unfortunately I'm not eligible for a New Zealand student loan, and few charitable foundations sponsor individuals. I'm working full time, selling my much beloved horse and using money left to me by my grandmother to help pay for it, but any support would be greatly appreciated as there's still a big gap!
NZ is in desperate need of more people with these skills, and with the college unable to sponsor visas I'm incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity.
Use of funds
Course and accommodation fees while I'm in the UK
Latest update
End of year update 23 December 2023
Hi all, with the givealittle closed and the term finished I thought it was about time to give you all an update.
I'm absolutely loving it at college, it feels like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be right now and it's thanks to you guys! We've almost finished the bridle unit, and so far I've made a foal slip, a halter, a drop nose bridle, laced reins, and a few dog collars in my spare time. Unfortunately I can only add one photo in this update, but I'll be posting more on Facebook.
I really can't thank you all enough for your generosity - I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to chase my dreams like this!
Thank you all SO much again, and merry Christmas xx
Latest donations
Thank you so much for such an incredibly generous donation, I'm speechless and teared up when I saw this! Merry Christmas to you too & I would love to make you something as a small token of my appreciation - my school email is 28015812 @student.capel.ac.uk
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