Professional Standards
Here you will find all of the IASF policies and procedures relevant to its members. Please familiarise yourself with these policies. If you would like to access IASF internal policies please send in your request to admin@saddle-academy.com
IASF Code of Conduct
1. Purpose
This Code defines the professional, ethical, and welfare standards expected of all IASF members. Its purpose is to protect horses, clients, and the integrity of the global saddle fitting profession.
2. Scope
This Code applies to all IASF members, regardless of membership category or country of practice. It governs conduct in all professional, educational, and public contexts related to saddlery fitting.
3. Core Professional Standards
• Prioritise the welfare, comfort, and health of every horse.
• Operate with honesty, integrity, and objectivity in all professional dealings.
• Conduct assessments safely, following recognised welfare and biomechanical principles.
• Maintain professional boundaries with clients and colleagues.
• Never knowingly act in a way that may cause harm or distress to a horse.
• Decline or withdraw from any fitting where welfare may be compromised.
4. Confidentiality & Data Protection
• Protect all client, horse, and business information in accordance with GDPR and relevant data laws.
• Only share information when required for welfare, legal, or professional reasons.
• Do not misuse membership data or client information for personal or competitive gain.
5. Professional Communication
• Treat all clients, colleagues, and other professionals with respect.
• Communicate findings clearly, factually, and without bias.
• Avoid criticism of other professionals or brands that could damage reputations.
• Maintain a respectful presence in public and online platforms when representing the IASF.
6. Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
• Complete annual CPD as required by IASF standards.
• Engage with new research, attend training, and apply evidence-based practice.
• Participate in peer learning and mentoring where possible.
7. Conflict of Interest & Commercial Integrity
• Declare any personal, financial, or commercial interest that could influence fitting advice.
• Provide independent, horse-first recommendations regardless of brand or sponsorship.
• Avoid accepting gifts, payments, or incentives that may compromise professional judgement.
8. Advertising & Public Representation
• Represent IASF and personal credentials truthfully.
• Use the IASF name, logo, and accreditation marks only while in good standing.
• Avoid misleading advertising, exaggerated claims, or comparisons that undermine others.
9. Breach of the Code
Any breach will be managed through the IASF Disciplinary and Complaints Procedure. Members are entitled to fair investigation, confidentiality, and the right of appeal. Disciplinary outcomes may include formal warning, suspension, or removal from membership.
10. Declaration
All members must acknowledge and agree to this Code upon joining or renewing membership. Adherence to this Code is a condition of IASF membership and accreditation.
IASF CPD Policy
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is an essential component for all IASF listed saddlery fitters. The purpose of CPD is to constantly develop and further your skills and to ensure your knowledge base is up to date in this rapidly evolving industry.
This policy is reviewed and reissued annually and is subject to change based on the requirements set out by the IASF board.
IASF strive for excellence and as a representative of this body each listed member is required to undertake a minimum amount of CPD annually.
The current annual prescribed CPD requirement is as follows:
Training Provider Subject CPD Hours
IASF Saddle Fitting Specific 6
Open Saddle Fitting Related 30
Total 36
The total amount of CPD undertaken should be equal to (or greater than) 36 hours per annum which must include 6 hours IASF saddle specific CPD.
The CPD hours can be split over the year and should cover a range of topics such as:
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Saddle tree types (manufacturer visits)
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Anatomy and Physiology
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Gait Analysis
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Palpation Techniques
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Reading research papers
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Watching relevant educational videos
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Pathology
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Shadowing other saddle fitters
All CPD undertaken must be recorded and submitted to IASF using the attached form.
CPD records should be emailed to admin@saddle-academy.com within 12 months of applying for a directory listing. IASF students are responsible for submitting their CPD records in a timely fashion and failure to do so may invalidate their certification and/or insurance.
IASF Global Membership Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: 07 October 2026
1. Introduction and Agreement
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your membership with the International Association of Sustainability Professionals ("IASF", "we", "us", "our") and the use of all associated services and content, including but not limited to publications, digital resources, and event access. By becoming a member, or by renewing your membership, you ("you", "your", "the Member") agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.
2. Membership and Subscription
Practitioner membership is open to all qualified saddle fitters as recognised by the Equine Fitters Council. Evidence of certification is required to approve any practitioner application. Trade partner membership is open to all saddlery manufacturers who meet our professional standards.
a. Membership Tiers: IASF offers various membership options, the details of which are outlined on our official website. We reserve the right to modify membership tiers, benefits, and pricing at any time. Any changes to pricing will be communicated to you with at least 30 days' notice before your next renewal.
b. Payment: Membership fees are payable in accordance with the billing cycle you select (e.g., monthly, annually). All payments are processed through a secure third-party payment provider. You agree to provide valid and current payment information and authorise us to charge the applicable fees to your designated payment method.
c. Auto-renewal: Your membership will automatically renew at the end of each billing cycle unless you cancel it in accordance with these Terms. You will receive a reminder notification before each renewal date.
3. Cancellation and Refunds
a. Cancellation of Membership: The minimum membership term is 12 months, cancellations are not permitted during this period.
b. No Refunds: All membership fees are non-refundable. We do not provide refunds or credits for any partial membership periods or for unused services.
c. Cooling-off Period: As a consumer, you have a 14-day statutory right to cancel your membership from the date of the initial purchase without giving a reason. If you exercise this right, a full refund will be provided.
4. Event Tickets and Attendance
a. Separate Contract: The purchase of a ticket for a CPD day or any other IASF ticketed event constitutes a separate, binding contract. Tickets for events on a specific date are non-refundable, as per UK consumer law.
b. Member-Only Pricing: Tickets purchased at a member-exclusive price are conditional on the individual holding an active membership at the time of the event.
c. Membership Maintenance: If you purchase a ticket at a member-only price and subsequently cancel your membership, you must maintain your membership status until after the event has taken place. Your membership will be automatically extended until the day following the event's conclusion, and you will be charged for the prorated period of this extension. Non-attendance does not negate this requirement.
d. Change to Non-Member Status: If you cancel your membership and do not attend the ticketed event, IASF reserves the right to charge the difference between the member and non-member ticket price.
e. Event Cancellation: In the unlikely event that IASF cancels or reschedules a ticketed event, you will be offered a full refund of the ticket price or the option to transfer your ticket to the rescheduled event.
5. Intellectual Property and Content Use
a. Ownership: All intellectual property rights in and to the content provided by IASF as part of your membership, including but not limited to course materials, publications, and website content, belong to IASF.
b. Licence: IASF grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable licence to access and use the membership content for your personal, professional, and educational development. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or otherwise exploit any content without our express written permission.
c. Non-Sharing of Content: You may not share any membership content with non-members, including by email, on social media, or in any other form. Unauthorised sharing is a violation of these Terms and may result in the termination of your membership without a refund.
6. User Conduct
You agree not to use your membership or access the services for any unlawful or prohibited purpose. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, sharing your login credentials, misrepresenting your identity or attempting to compromise the security of our services.
7. Limitation of Liability
a. We provide our services with reasonable care and skill. However, to the maximum extent permitted by UK law, IASF is not liable for any indirect or consequential losses or damages arising from your use of the membership services.
b. Our total liability to you in respect of any and all losses arising from your membership will be limited to the total membership fees you have paid in the preceding 12-month period.
c. Nothing in these Terms seeks to limit or exclude our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or fraudulent misrepresentation.
8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. You agree that any dispute arising from or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
9. Amendments
We reserve the right to amend these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes via email at least 30 days in advance. Continued use of the membership services constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.
10. Privacy Policy
Your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which is available on our website.