SADDLE FITTING INSIGHTS - DECEMBER EDITION
- Academy Team
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
As we wrap up another transformative year in the world of equine welfare and professional collaboration, the IASF team is excited to bring you the final newsletter of 2025.
Our mission remains at the heart of everything we do: guiding you From Confusion to Confidence in saddlery fit, biomechanics, equine health and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Whether you're a saddlery fitter navigating complex cases, an equine professional expanding your diagnostic toolkit or a dedicated horse owner committed to your horse’s comfort—you are part of a global movement elevating standards for horses everywhere.
⭐ EXPERT TIP – Winter Saddle Fit: The Seasonal Shift
As temperatures drop, horses change shape—sometimes dramatically. Reduced turn out, altered muscle tone, less exercise and rugging patterns all influence saddle fit.
Actionable Tip: The Winter Check-In
Touch base with your saddle fitter. Each horse will require their own saddle fitting schedule and this may not necessarily be the standard 6 monthly check. Discuss your schedule and make a plan to keep you and your horse comfortable over the winter months.
Take Templates and Monitor Weight Fluctuations. Taking regular templates is the best way to assess your horses changing shape. Flexible rulers are cheap and easy to obtain and should be an essential tool in your horse owners kit.
Templating Guide
Ensure your horse is standing square on a firm, level surface with a neutral head and neck position
Locate the back edge of your horses shoulder blade and then measure 2" (approximately 3 fingers) back from this mark.
Place your flexible ruler over this area and smooth down. Trace your template onto a large piece of paper or card
Take templates every 4 weeks, at the same time of day. You can use these to monitor shape changes that may indicate a saddle adjustment is necessary.
🔍 SADDLE INDUCED ATROPY - ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE FOR SADDLE FITTERS AND EQUINE PROFESSIONALS
Recording Now Available
If you missed the Saddle Induced Atrophy Webinar, don't worry! You can catch the recording FREE for all IASF Global Members
📅 YOU'RE INVITED TO OUR IN-PERSON CPD DAY
Join us for what promises to be an interesting and educational day for student and qualified saddle fitters where we will review a complex case study and investigate potential solutions through saddle design.
We will review photos, videos and templates of a horse along with their clinical history and rider requirements.
Once the brief has been discussed we will visit Albion Saddle Makers, Bliss of London and spend time with Erreplus Saddles and Saddlery Brands International (Bates, Arena and Wintec) to delve into the specific design options offered by these brands to solve saddle fitting issues and provide solutions to our clients.
Gain real-world experience and advance your knowledge and understanding of saddle capabilities and solutions - an essential skill for todays saddle fitter.
📅 CHRISTMAS SHUTDOWN
We’d like to let our community know that we will not be running any live sessions between Christmas and New Year. This short pause allows our team, partners and members to enjoy a well-deserved break with family and friends. All live training, webinars and support sessions will resume in early January. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to starting 2026 with renewed energy and fresh insights.
🌍 UNLOCK THE SOLUTION – Join the IASF Global Network
Become part of a global community that shares your commitment to equine welfare.
Whether you are a:
Saddlery fitter
Vet or paraprofessional
Body worker
Equine therapist
Trainer or coach
Or a passionate horse owner
…you’ll find a place in our thriving international network.
Access:
Regular webinars
Expert masterclasses
Global case discussions
Professional resources
Collaborative learning
Join others dedicated to mastering the complexities of saddlery fit and making a meaningful impact worldwide.
✨ Until Next Time
As we close out 2025, we want to thank every member of the IASF community for your dedication, curiosity and commitment to the horse.
If you have a topic you'd like us to explore in the next edition, or you’d like to be a Featured Fitter, simply email admin@saddle-academy.com with your suggestions.
Here’s to a bright, collaborative and welfare-focused year ahead—see you in 2026!
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