ABOUT
Ready to take he plunge and dive into the world of saddle fitting?
The IASF Stage 3 Professional Saddle Fitting Award provides all of the training, knowledge and support to transform you into an expert in the industry with the credentials and skills to help horses and owners and protect them from saddle damage.
This award is accredited by LANTRA an ofqual regulated body proving nationally recognised certification.
Upon receipt of this award saddle fitters can register as a QUALIFED SADDLE FITTER with the Equine Fitters Council and join a growing and supportive community of world leading saddle fitting experts.
"I would 100% recommend the course to anyone! It carries fully qualified status and I found the training to be in depth with lots of support before and after the exam".
COURSE STRUCTURE
Step 1
Select your preferred practical date and JOIN the course (get our access course for free when you join!)
Step 2
Get started on your online learning (make sure you have completed all aspects of your stage 1,2 and 3 online content prior to attending the practical element). Stage 3 online learning takes around 40 hours and is self paced so you can fit it in around your other commitments
Step 3
Attend your practical training. You'll be with us for 5 days, 4 solid days of hands on training with written and practical exams on day 5
Step 4
Return home and await your results (unless you want to stay on for the additional 2 days stage 4 course which is always a great option) Not everyone is successful first time but don't worry, you can always try again.
Step 5
Complete 10* case studies which form your externship (you'll work on real world scenarios and develop solutions with feedback from your mentor)
Step 6
Receive your certificates and register with the EFD as a QUAIFIED SADDLE FITTER
Step 7
Start your new career as a saddle fitter. Make sure you keep learning through CPD, a total of 36 hours per year is required)
Upcoming Practical Dates
- Mon, 10 FebDodderhill Equestrian10 Feb 2025, 09:00 – 14 Feb 2025, 16:00Dodderhill Equestrian , Dodderhill Rd, Crutch Ln, Droitwich WR9 0BE, UK
- Mon, 14 JulDodderhill Equestrian14 Jul 2025, 09:00 – 18 Jul 2025, 16:00Dodderhill Equestrian , Dodderhill Rd, Crutch Ln, Droitwich WR9 0BE, UK
What Does it Cost?
How Long Does it Take?
Students are with us for anywhere between 6-18 months. The time it takes will depend on various factors such as the time between enrolment and the date of your practical training as there are certain aspects which you cannot start until you have completed the practical sessions. Your time commitments, prior knowledge and dedication to learning will also impact the time it takes. Remember that once you are certified the learning never stops and you will continue to develop and progress over the course of your career with the IASF supporting you every step of the way!
Become a qualified saddle fitter with the IASF. Suitable for equine professionals and aspiring saddle fitters.
Total Course Duration
6 - 18 Months
After successful completion of this course and assessments you will be awarded the Professional Saddle Fitting Award (Stage 3) accredited by LANTRA and gain certification from a nationally recognised body. This qualifies students to obtain relevant insurance, work as a professional saddle fitter and gain qualified status with the Equine Fitters Council.
Complete your Professional Saddle Fitting Award and learn how to accurately assess saddle fit, conduct saddle fitting consultations, apply solutions to improve or correct saddle fitting issues and select and approve a suitable saddle for any horse and rider combination.
Candidates will need to complete online learning and assignments which must be completed prior to attending practical training.
A total of 36 hours CPD is required annually to maintain stage 3 certification.
Upon enrolment of this course students will be asked to complete an Individual Learning Plan to ensure we meet your expectations and can tailor our teaching approach to accommodate your learning style and any additional needs you may have.
PRACTICAL COURSE DURATION
5 Days inclusive
COURSE AIM
The aim of the course is to arm you with all the information, training and knowledge required to professionally assess the fit of any brand of saddle to a high standard.
CONTENT
The course will take in in-depth look at all aspects of saddle fitting, saddle construction, gait analysis, anatomy, back assessment, rider influence and biomechanics. Upon completion and successful assessment you will be certified to conduct a professional and successful saddle fitting business.
ENROLMENT
Select your preferred practical date from our list of upcoming courses. If you cannot find a date that suits you please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Students will then be directed to to the Stage 3 Student plan which is included in the enrolment cost. A code will be provided to you upon booking your practical date. You will also find access to the Stage 1 & 2 Remote Learning Access course, please ensure this has been competed prior t o starting the stage 3 content.
Upon accessing the Stage 3 Student Plan candidates may begin their online learning immediately. Online learning includes written text as well as video courses along with assignments. Please allow approximately 40 hours to complete the online learning for stage 3.
All distance learning assignments must be completed prior to attending the practical course.
During the practical element students will be required to work safely and effectively around horses to put their theory into practice.
A mock practical assessment of skill will be conducted on day 3 , formal assessment will take place on day 5.
Following the practical 5 day course students will be required to carry out an externship which consists of 10 x case studies and a written theory test. Case studies and the theory test cannot be started until students have attended the practical training.
Failure to attain the required standard during any assessment element will result in a fail. Failed elements will need to be re-taken at additional cost.
Additional training days can be arranged depending on the students requirements. Additional costs for extra training days will be incurred.
Payment can be made in two instalments. The current total cost is £2950. This can be split into two instalments of £1475 upon enrolment with the remaining £1475 payable a minimum of 30 days prior to attending the practical session. Alternatively students can pay in one lump sum at the time of enrolment. Finance also available. Please visit International Academy of Saddle Fitters - Kandoo
Pre-requisites - A minimum of 10 Years equine experience (Stage 1 & 2 Access course included)
Progression Options - Stage 4
Certification - Qualified to conduct a saddle fitting report, diagnose issues and suggest short term solutions.
Limitations - You will not be qualified to adjust saddles, this is covered in stage 4