SADDLE FITTING INSIGHTS - APRIL 2026 EDITION

Academy Team
Apr 22
3 min read

Transition. Awareness. Opportunity.

April is a month of change—and in the equine world, change brings both opportunity and responsibility. As horses move into increased work, richer grazing and shifting routines, saddle fit becomes more dynamic than ever.

This is the time to stay observant, proactive and informed.

🌱 EXPERT TIP – Spring Shape Changes & Saddle Fit

Spring brings significant changes for many horses—and these changes don’t always go in the same direction.

With improved grazing and increased workload, horses may:

Gain weight and muscle due to higher calorie intake
Lean down and become fitter as work intensity increases and nutrition is more carefully managed

Why This Matters

These shifts in condition can have a direct impact on saddle fit.

Horses that gain weight may find their saddle becoming too narrow and become rear balanced.
Horses that become leaner may find their saddle becoming too wide or less stable

What You Can Do

Monitor your horse’s condition regularly—not just visually, but through hands-on assessment, weight measurements and templating.
Be aware of subtle changes in how the saddle feels and performs
Schedule a saddle fit check during periods of change

Spring is a time of transition and saddle fit should evolve with the horse. Staying proactive now helps maintain comfort, performance and long-term wellbeing.

🔬 ANNOUNCING: EQUINE DISSECTION MASTERCLASS

For Saddle Fitters & Equine Professionals

🗓 20th November 2026🎟 Limited Capacity – Tickets Released in Phases

We are excited to announce a full-day equine dissection masterclass, designed specifically for saddle fitters and equine professionals who want to deepen their understanding of how tack interacts with the horse’s body.

This immersive experience will explore:

The musculoskeletal structures affected by saddle and girth placement
The relationship between anatomy, pressure and performance
How enhanced knowledge translates into practical saddle fitting decisions

Booking Access Schedule:

Monday 27th April, 12pm – IASF Tier 3 Members
Tuesday 28th April, 12pm – IASF Tier 2 Members
Wednesday 29th April, 12pm – IASF Tier 1 Members
Thursday 30th April, 12pm – Newsletter Subscribers
Friday 1st May, 12pm – General Release

Due to the nature of this event, places are strictly limited and expected to fill quickly. Emails will be sent out with the booking link following the schedule above.

🎓 LAST CALL – BIT & BRIDLE MASTERCLASS

🗓 Monday 27th April🕡 6:30 PM GMT💻 Live Virtual Session

BOOK NOW

Join us for our upcoming Bit & Bridle Masterclass for Saddle Fitters, led by Olivia Turner, Bitting and Equine Behavioural Expert.

This session will explore the often-overlooked relationship between bitting, bridle fit, and saddle performance, including:

How discomfort in one area affects the whole horse
Behavioural indicators linked to tack
When to adapt, when to refer, and how to collaborate

🎟 Open to all, with up to 50% discount for IASF Global Network Members.

🌍 JOIN THE IASF GLOBAL NETWORK

Becoming part of the IASF Global Network gives you access to:

Exclusive educational content
Discounted CPD events and masterclasses
Early access to limited-capacity events (like our dissection day)
A global community of like-minded professionals

👉 Join today to access priority booking and member benefits

Already a Member?

Secure your early access event bookings
Take advantage of your CPD discounts
Join discussions and expand your professional network

Your membership is there to support your growth—make the most of it.

✨ Until Next Time

Spring is a season of growth—but also of rapid change. Staying ahead means staying informed, observant, and proactive in your approach to saddle fitting and horse management.

We look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.

IASF – Working together for the good of the horse 🐴