Former Cambridge High School student Sophia Stratford with Digger. Photo: Serena Wyers.
Her bags are packed – well, so far they almost are – and she’s ready to go.
‘Yes, mum’s been telling me I need to start thinking about that,” she said.
On Saturday, “super excited” former Cambridge High School student Sophia Stratford, 19, leaves on a jet plane go where it’s thought few Kiwis have gone before.
Sophia is headed to Enfield, north London – to start her Worshipful Company of Cordwainers diploma in saddle, harness and bridle making at Capel Manor College.
It’s a mouthful, but it essentially means she’ll study to become a qualified saddler and saddle fitter.
And, when qualified, she will be able to both make new saddles and adjust existing ones to properly fit specific horses – as well also being able to repair a wide range of leather work.
“It’s a lot more complicated than people think,” she said.
“I’ve always been really interested in how things work, making things with my hands and – particularly – horses,” Sophia said.
Capel Manor College accepts just 12 students to study towards the qualification each semester, which runs from September through June.
It’s likely Sophia’s the only Kiwi this intake.
Sophia Startaford.
Her saddlers qualification will take her two years full time at Capel Manor to complete, and then requires a year-long apprenticeship, which she will probably complete in the United Kingdom.
“The saddle fitters element of her studies is gained through completing series of block courses.”
Three years of work experience is then required.
“I’ve loved horses my whole life,” Sophia told The News ahead of flying out.
“I first started riding when I was five, and got my own horse – Digger – when I was 14.
“I’d describe him as a bit brick shaped, rather than saddle shaped. And that sort of what got me thinking about this area of work, and how that would look.”
Sophia, a competitive showjumper, rode at Matangi’s Phillips Equine for about six years, before borrowing friends’ ponies. Then Digger came along.
Sophia has been working since she finished school in an effort to save up for her studies.
“There are, of course, a few unknowns about going to London – I’m moving out of home to the other side of the world.”
She does, however, have a good support network there, even visiting Capel Manor in person while on a recent trip to the UK.
She’s also been part of several virtual open days at the college.
Sophia said she can’t wait to bring her skills back to Aotearoa once she’s qualified, in order to put her new skills to work in what is a rare industry here.
“I’ve already got people telling me to hurry up and qualify because they need me here.”
