How to become a professional saddle fitter

The IASF 4 Stage Program

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Offering Online & In-Person saddle fitting courses

It’s more than a career

Becoming a saddle fitter is more than a career, it’s a passion, a lifestyle.

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. 

Follow the IASF pathway

STAGE 1

An introduction to saddle fitting

1 hours

STAGE 2

Remote learning access course

8 hours – includes FREE access to stage 1

STAGE 3

Professional saddle fitting award

6-8 months – Includes FREE access to stage 1 & 2

STAGE 4

Flocking, repairs and adjustments

2 days

More information on each stage

Common Saddle Fitting FAQS

Have you ever felt confused, frustrated or stressed about saddles or saddle fitters? It’s no surprise when you consider the amount of conflicting advice and opinions on the matter. So how do you know who to trust? There will always be one expert on the yard who proclaims to know it all but ask any saddle fitter and they will tell you that it’s complicated!

​Here at the IASF we understand the complexities of saddle fitting and educate our students using a proven, systematic approach based on current research, facts and lateral thinking. We blend teaching of horse and rider anatomy with biomechanics and basic physics while fostering a culture of critical thinking and a growth mindset. This is what sets our saddle fitters apart!

​With the saddle being one of the most important pieces of equipment for the ridden horse we understand that correct fit can make or break the human/equine relationship.

​A career in saddle fitting stems from a passion for equine welfare teamed with the desire to help owners and as a vocation is incredibly rewarding. If you have ever had a bad experience with a saddle before you will understand the need to have a trustworthy and dedicated professional who truly understands the need of you and your horse.

The greatest benefit to working as a saddle fitter is the ability to help horses and owners and protect them from saddle damage and the fact that you are considering saddle fitting as a career means that you are passionate about this and that’s a great thing!

​But there are many additional rewarding aspects. Working for yourself is not essential as there are opportunities to gain employment however the vast majority of saddle fitters do start their own business. This in itself brings huge opportunities for commercial success as well as the freedom to chose your own hours and create a flexible work-life balance.

​Potential earnings as a self employed saddle fitter are attractive and while it is not the only reason to select saddle fitting as a career, it is wise to understand your earning potential and return on your investment.

​Investment in a professional certification is your first step and learning continues throughout your career. As an IASF saddle fitter you will join a growing and supportive community of like minded saddle fitting and equestrian experts from around the globe and play a pivotal role in equine welfare.

​IASF saddle fitters are also welcome to join the Equine Fitters Directory as a QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER, a central directory initiated by the Equine Fitters Council an independent and not-for-profit company established by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers and the Worshipful Company of Loriners

​If you are ready to take the leap and delve into a career as a saddle fitter you are in the right place.

Investing in yourself and your new career is an important decision and before making the leap it is good to know how quickly your investment can be returned to you.

On average our saddle fitters working full time in the UK can turnover approximately £92,000 per year. Based on 4 clients a day, 5 days a week, charging an average of £100 per appointment with 6 weeks off a year.

Once established these numbers are highly achievable and many saddle fitters earn in excess of this with additional income from saddle and accessory sales.

Of course there will be overheads such as insurance, consumables and travel however even considering these costs a realistic net profit in excess of £60-£70k per year is typical with many saddle fitters earning much more.

​We would never recommend anyone becoming a saddle fitter purely for the money however it is good to know that saddle fitting can be a lucrative career with unlimited growth potential. With worldwide demand for great saddle fitters at an all time high there has never been a better time to invest in your dream job.

Four Stages to Becoming a Professional Saddle Fitter

Stage 1

An Introduction to Saddle Fitting

Complete our on-line stagel course to gain an overview of saddle fitting. This short course is easy to follow and understand and will arm you with the foundation knowledge to sport obvious saddle fitting issues

Time: 1 hour

Available as a stand alone course for those who are just testing the waters. This course will prepare you for your learning journey with the IASF and is a great place to learn for horse owners who are just taking an interest in saddle fitting.

Stage 1 – Introduction to Saddle Fitting

Stage 1 – Introduction to Saddle Fitting

£34.99

Stage 2

Remote Learning Access Course

Gain a more thorough understanding of saddle fitting with our stage 2 course. This course involves a on-line learning with short assignments.

Time: 8 hours

For those who want a deeper understanding of saddle fitting or are considering moving on to professional certification our Stage 2 Remote Learning Access course is for you. Free access is provided to Stage 1 and completion of both stage 1 & 2 is required for entry onto the Stage 3 Professional Saddle Fitting course.

Stage 1 & 2 – Saddle Fitting Distance Learning

Stage 1 & 2 – Saddle Fitting Distance Learning

£245.00

Stage 3

Professional Saddle Fitting Award

The course involves a combination of distance learning, intensive practical training as well as a written and practical exam and externship.

Time: 6-18 months

If you have decided on a career in saddle fitting you can dive straight into the Stage 3 Professional Saddle Fitting Award. Access to our stage 1&2 Remote Learning Access Course is provided free of charge. Find out more about the content and structure of the course by clicking the button below.

Stage 3 – Professional Saddle Fitting Course

Stage 3 – Professional Saddle Fitting Course

£2,950.00

Stage 4

Flocking, Repairs & Adjustments

Take your career to the next level with our stage 4 certificate. During this practical course you will learn how to carry out saddle repairs and adjustments
including flocking, stitching and tree alterations.

Time: 2 days

Optional, additional training for those who want to offer a more advanced and rounded service to their clients. Learn how to carry out basic saddle repairs, re-flocking and on-site adjustments as well as advanced saddle fitting solutions.

Stage 4 – Flocking, Repairs and Adjustments

Stage 4 – Flocking, Repairs and Adjustments

£725.00

Time scales & structure

This may look complicated at first glances but don’t worry we’ll explain everything. 

​You can join our four stage program from anywhere in the world and at any time. The initial stages (1, 2 and the first part of stage 3) are delivered via remote learning which is self paced and instantly accessible. You can dip your toes in with our stage 1 or 2 but if you are committed to becoming a professional saddle fitter with the IASF you can save a significant amount of money by enrolling directly onto stage 3. When signing up to this course we give you complimentary access to the Stage 1 & 2 Remote Learning Access course so there are no barrier to overcome echoing our commitment to accessibility and value for money. 

STAGE 1

​Stage 1 takes around an hour to complete and your certificate is awarded as soon as you complete the course. 

STAGE 2

Stage 2 takes around 8 hours, it involves a short practical assignment (you just need access to a horse or even just an image of a horse) and your certificate is awarded immediately after completion. 

STAGE 3

Stage 3 begins with on-line learning, to enrol you simply need to select your preferred practical training date. Don’t worry if you are not sure when you want to attend, just drop us an email at admin@saddle-academy.com and we can help you. 

See our practical stage 3 dates here

​Once you have selected your preferred practical date we will send you everything you need to get started. We only ask that you have completed your on-line learning before arriving for your practical training. On-line learning for this part takes around 40 hours and includes some assignments and simple knowledge tests. 

​While waiting for your practical course dates you can get started on organising your travel and accommodation and making plans for any family; furry, four legged or otherwise while you are away. Exciting Times! 

​Your practical week (5 days) will be jam packed with hands-on training where you will be working in small groups to put your theory into practice. It’s an intense course but the IASF team will support you throughout, you will make life-long friends and our students and equine models always make it a week to remember. 

​Day 5 of the practical course is exam day. Yes it’s nerve wracking, exams always are but you are in good hands and each of our assessors has been in your position before. You can also complete your written test on day 5 or if one exam a day is enough for you then you can complete remotely at a later date. 

​​STAGE 4

​After your 5 day stage 3 training you can chose to return home straight away or stay on for our 2 day stage 4 course, we just hold your stage 4 certificates until you have completed all aspects of your stage 3. 

​Stage 4 is all hands-on training (off the horse) with our resident Master Saddler teaching the repairs and IASF Advanced Tutor teaching on-site adjustments and advanced fitting solutions. 

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What our students say

  • “The balance of practical and theory was excellent, informative and yet not too difficult to grasp. I think the course itself is great value for money, the tutors are supportive and friendly and ensure students of all backgrounds are treated fairly.”
    L. Ahmad – Student
  • “All of the team are wonderful and make everything so clear and the support that you get from them is the best I have ever had when taking a course and I couldn’t thank you all enough.”
    A. Lindfield – Student
  • “I recommend IASF to anyone who is ready to dive into the world of saddle fitting”
    Sonia J – Student
  • “The International Academy of Saddle Fitters is absolutely a dream! The whole team is fantastic, extremely knowledgeable and I am ever grateful for opportunity to learn from you all.

    I recommend IASF to anyone who is ready to dive into the world of saddle fitting.”
    Gerda J – Student
  • “I attended the level 3 and 4 course and loved every minute of it. A fun and informative
    week with knowledgeable and friendly tutors. Highly recommend.”
    D Tarr – Student
  • “I attended the one day course and have already enrolled onto the next course! The introduction course was so informative whilst keeping it easy to understand. Doing the practicals made me confident that I have absorbed the information correctly. Lovely venue in the west midlands and can’t wait for the next in October!”
    L Kerr-Taylor – Student