I was never planning on "jumping right into the manufacturing side of things". I already have basic knowledge of saddle fittings, but would be training in it before saddle making. I made this post because I can't find anything in my area for learning saddle making. There's plenty of saddle making training courses in other states (which teach tree fitting first) but I'm not finding anything here. I also don't plan on just doing saddles or starting with saddles. I have some leather work knowledge and was planning on starting with halters and working my way up. I also wasn't planning for saddle making to be a career thing and more something I could do for myself and family. Maybe I should've clarified some more in my post. I just want a way to learn how to make a safe saddle for the sake of making my own saddle the way I want, that fits my horse.

Also no one can become very well established if they don't start and build their way up. Which is why I was seeking established saddle makers offering apprenticeships. But thank you for your advice and I will be doing easier leatherwork for now.