"Them that can will, them that can't will talk about it" ~tom dorrance

Spring has rushed in, rushed out, then back in again!  And with it comes balancing making pads on blustery days, then outside on Mother Natures gifts on amazing weather!  
With it, I've given a lot of thought to Tom Dorrances quote!  What, then, qualifies a person to teach how to make Pulled Wool Saddle Pads?
​There’s no single license or formal certification required to teach pulled wool saddle pad  making so “qualified” really comes down to experience, skill, and the ability to actually teach others effectively.
That said, the people best qualified usually have a mix of these:
Deep hands-on experience
Someone who has spent years (ideally decades) making pads--not just a handful. They’ve worked through using pads expecting the pad to a) perform well; b) solid contact to feel both structural and soft tissue movements from the horse (with the aid of a well made saddle); c) different wool types/qualities (Merino being top, Grey Gotland being bottom); d) horse needs; e) having solved real problems like wear patterns, fit, and durability
Understanding of the why, not just the how
A good teacher can explain:

• Why certain wool blends are used (Merino, ANZ, Grey Gotland to name a few)
• How density affects performance
• How moisture, heat, and pressure impact the pad
• Common mistakes and how to fix them

If they can’t explain it, they probably don’t fully understand it.
Proven by Clients

• ​Used by Customers, 
• Ask, then listen, to what Customers' needs are
• Trusted enough that customers come back and refer to others

Willingness to share—not gatekeep

• Some makers guard techniques pretty tightly. A true teacher is open about process, materials, and mistakes

Business insight (bonus, but valuable)
Especially if students want to sell:

• Caution:  Use good sense being involved in marketing and business platforms 
• Pricing properly (this is a big one)
• Shipping:  How to preserve the pad integrity; buyer pays (including insurance)
• Sourcing wool
• Managing custom orders
• Avoiding undercutting the market

​I offer a remote and inperson program for learning.  If interested, please reach out.  
Have a great Spring!
~Diane