SADDLE FITTING INSIGHTS - AUGUST 2026 EDITION
Updated: 1 day ago
A Global Perspective on Saddle Fitting
This month, the IASF team travelled to Bergen, Norway, to carry out saddle fitting assessments—and the visit gave us plenty to think about.
Working in different countries is always fascinating. Not only do we get to meet new horses, riders and equestrian professionals, but we also get to see how saddle fitting, saddlery and equine care differ from one country to another.
Our visit to Norway highlighted something that sits very close to the heart of what we are trying to achieve at IASF:
There is a real need for greater access to professional saddle fitting, education and appropriate saddlery worldwide.
SADDLE FITTING IN NORWAY – A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
One of the most noticeable differences was the range and availability of saddles.
Compared with the UK, the selection available to horse owners in Norway was considerably more limited. A small number of European brands appeared to dominate the market, and we saw a much higher proportion of saddles with foam panels and limited adjustability.
This can make maintaining saddle fit considerably more challenging.
In the UK, we are fortunate to have access to a huge range of saddle manufacturers and designs, alongside a well-established network of independent saddle fitters and saddlers. We can often choose between different tree shapes, panel configurations, materials and adjustment options to find a more appropriate solution for an individual horse.
That isn't necessarily the case everywhere.
Saddle design has come a long way
Our understanding of equine anatomy, biomechanics and the way horses interact with saddles has developed significantly over recent decades—and good saddle design has evolved alongside it.
During our visit, we encountered a number of older-style saddles that simply weren't appropriate for the horses they were being used on. In some cases, cruppers were being used to help prevent poorly fitting saddles from moving.
This is a really important distinction:
A crupper may help prevent a correctly selected saddle from moving forwards. It shouldn't be used to compensate for a saddle that doesn't fit or is inherently unstable.
🐴 THE INCREDIBLE RESILIENCE OF THE HORSE
Perhaps the most thought-provoking part of the trip was seeing just how resilient horses can be.
Horses are remarkably capable of continuing to perform despite discomfort, adapting their movement and behaviour to cope with the equipment and environment around them.
That resilience can unfortunately make problems harder to recognise.
A horse doesn't necessarily need to buck, rear or refuse to work for something to be wrong.
Changes in behaviour, movement, posture, performance, muscle development or willingness to work can all provide important clues.
This is why education matters.
Horse owners need to know what to look for. Saddle fitters need the knowledge to recognise problems.And the industry needs access to appropriate saddlery and qualified professionals who can provide solutions.
🌍 WHY GLOBAL SADDLE FITTING MATTERS
Our visit to Bergen reinforced our belief that improving saddle fitting standards can't just be about improving things in the UK.
There is a global need for:
More qualified saddle fitters
Greater access to professional education
A wider choice of appropriate saddle designs
Better understanding of saddle fit amongst horse owners
Greater awareness of signs of pain and discomfort
More collaboration between equine professionals
Continued development of horse-friendly saddle design
This is exactly why the International Academy of Saddle Fitters exists.
Our ambition is not simply to train saddle fitters. We want to contribute to a future where every horse, regardless of where it lives, has access to appropriate tack and knowledgeable professionals who understand how to assess it.
There is still a long way to go—but visits like this remind us why the work is so important.
📅 LOTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO!
The next few months are packed with opportunities to learn, develop your skills and connect with other equine professionals.
Here are some dates for your diary...
🪡 INTRODUCTION TO LEATHER SKILLS
Saturday 19th September | Knightsbridge, London
We're excited to launch the first course in our new Saddlery Benchwork Programme.
Learn traditional saddlery and leatherworking skills in a truly unique equestrian setting in the heart of Knightsbridge, London.
Designed primarily with saddle fitters in mind, the programme is also open to anyone with an interest in traditional saddlery and leatherwork.
Whether you're looking to expand your professional skill set or simply want to learn a new practical craft, this is a great opportunity to get hands-on.
IASF Global Network members receive up to 10% off the ticket price.
🐴 BITTING, BEHAVIOUR & BIOMECHANICS
Monday 16th November | Millie McBride Dressage
Understanding the horse begins with listening to what they're telling us.
Join renowned Equine Behaviourist & Bitting Specialist Olivia Turner and Equine Physiotherapist and Trauma-Informed Horse Trainer Yasmin Stuart for a unique two-day clinic exploring the relationship between: Tack • Behaviour • Biomechanics
This interactive event is designed to help horse owners and equine professionals understand how different aspects of tack and physical comfort can influence behaviour and movement.
🔬 DISSECTION FOR SADDLE FITTERS & EQUINE PROFESSIONALS
Friday 20th November | Dodderhill Equestrian Centre
One of our most anticipated educational events of 2026.
This full-day in-person dissection and anatomy masterclass has been specifically designed for saddle fitters and equine professionals who want to deepen their understanding of the horse's musculoskeletal system and the relationship between anatomy and saddle fit.
It's an opportunity to take your anatomical knowledge beyond the textbook and develop a deeper understanding of the structures you're assessing every day.
Places are strictly limited.
🎓 PROFESSIONAL SADDLE FITTING AWARD – 2026
Due to high demand we have added an additional practical course date for 2026:
December 2026
Professional Saddle Fitting Award – Practical Training
If you're considering becoming a professional saddle fitter, or you're an experienced fitter looking to formalise your credentials, these are your remaining opportunities to join a 2026 practical course.
Places are limited, so we recommend getting in touch as soon as possible if you'd like to discuss your options.
And if 2026 doesn't work for you, don't worry—we'll be announcing our 2027 course dates soon.
🌍 JOIN THE IASF GLOBAL NETWORK
Our visit to Norway is a great example of why we believe so strongly in building a global community of educated, collaborative equine professionals.
The IASF Global Network brings together saddle fitters, horse owners and equine professionals who share our commitment to improving knowledge, professional standards and equine welfare.
MEMBERS RECEIVE:
Exclusive educational content
Discounts on courses, CPD and events
Up to 10% off selected IASF courses
Priority access to selected events
Case studies and professional discussions
Opportunities to connect with an international community
Ongoing opportunities for learning and professional development
Whether you're a qualified saddle fitter, a student, an equine professional or simply someone who wants to understand more about saddle fit and horse welfare, there's a place for you in the IASF Global Network.
👉 Join the IASF Global Network and become part of the movement to improve saddle fitting standards worldwide.
💡 UNTIL NEXT TIME
Our trip to Norway was a valuable reminder that saddle fitting looks very different around the world—but the horse's needs remain the same.
Wherever they live, horses deserve equipment that is appropriate, comfortable and correctly fitted, and owners deserve access to professionals with the knowledge and skills to help them.
That's the future we're working towards.
IASF – Working together for the good of the horse. 🐴
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