ABOUT THE IASF, OUR AFFILATES AND CONNECTIONS
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
– Helen Keller
At the IASF we firmly believe that collaboration is the key to success and that those involved with the safeguarding of our horses should be dedicated to teamwork and open to learning from others.
Progress can only be achieved through collaboration and our commitment to forging strong connections plays a vital part in ensuring our saddle fitters provide the best service to the horses and owners in their care.
OUR CREDENTIALS
The International Academy of Saddle Fitters (IASF) is a UK based organisation providing high quality saddle fitting training and education.
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IASF is an approved provider of nationally recognised certification from LANTRA, an Ofqual regulated awarding body and approved by UK Rural Skills (UKRS) as well a registered training provider with UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP number 10090284) and listed training providers with the Equine Fitters Council.
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If you are considering becoming a professional saddle fitter; credibility is an important factor to consider when selecting a training provider. Here at the IASF we have put the work in to ensure our education system stands up to the rigorous demands of the equine fitting industry and this is evidenced by our formal accreditations and affiliations. Saddle Fitters who successfully complete the IASF Stage 3 Professional Saddle Fitting Award are eligible to register with the Equine Fitters Directory as a Qualified Saddle Fitter.
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TRAINING PROVIDER COMPARISON
This table is correct at time of publication and is based upon publicly available information. Any discrepancies should be communicated to admin@saddle-academy.com
OUR PARTNERS
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Traditionally saddle fitting has been approached as an add-on to the craft of saddle making (saddlery) rather than being considered its own, unique profession.
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Here at IASF we recognise the individual and complex skills required to be a great saddle fitter. Skills which differ greatly from the crafting ability of a saddle maker or leather-worker.
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Led by a team of equestrian and saddle experts IASF aim to deliver education to horse owners as well as training and developing world class saddle fitters. Our courses are meticulously designed to be relevant, accessible and applicable to the changing industry while promoting a superior depth of knowledge and understanding of the horse, saddle, rider interaction.
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IASF hold regular saddle fitter training courses and workshops for horse-owners as well as equine professionals and existing saddle fitters.
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All IASF courses are constructed and overseen by leading saddle fitting expert and author of 'The Saddle Fitters Bible', Lisa Fay.
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Lisa is one of the most highly qualified saddle fitters in the world and has travelled the globe studying the complexities of saddle fitting. Lisa has trained and qualified with various bodies including the Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter (SMS QSF) in the UK, Master Saddle Fitting Consultants Diploma (MSFC) in The Netherlands and completed Certified Equine Ergonomist training with Saddle Fit 4 Life.
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Working with countless world class veterinarians and international riders, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.
PROGRESSIVE EQUINE PARTNERS
A community of Equine Professionals and establishments who prioritise ethical practice with the welfare of the equine at the core of what we do. As a progressive organisation, we strive to incorporate new ideas and modern methods to improve Equine care and training, moving away from traditional practice
SADDLES DIRECT
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Saddles Direct is now recognised as the UK’s biggest saddle retailer, offering unrivalled choice and customer satisfaction with all saddles available on a trial basis. The IASF are proud to have a member of the Saddles Direct team as one of our approved tutors and assessors.
ESTRIDE
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Estride specialise in multi-award winning suit of technological products to bring benefits to the horse and rider.
Use code SAPRO for 5% on the Harmony saddle pressure mat
THE SADDLE BANK
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The Saddle Bank has grown rapidly to become one of the world's leading online saddle retailers; supplying horse owners, saddle fitters and other retailers around the world.
MEET THE TEAM
SADDLERS HALL, LONDON 2022
The IASF team consists of saddle fitting and equine experts who bring a wealth of experience and relevance not just to the content of our saddle fitting courses but also the delivery.