SADDLE FITTING INSIGHTS - JANUARY
- Academy Team
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
A new year brings fresh focus, renewed motivation and new possibilities. As we step into 2026, January is the perfect time to reflect on where you are—and where you’d like your equestrian journey or professional career to go next.
Whether you’re a horse owner considering formal education, a student building confidence or a practising saddle fitter looking to advance your skills, the IASF is here to support you from curiosity to capability and from learning to leadership.
⭐HORSE OWNERS EXPERT TIP – Flat Hand Panel Scan (On the Horse)
Previously, we introduced you to the flat hand panel scan off the horse as a foundational check. This month, we take the next critical step—assessing panel contact with the saddle on the horse.
What You’re Looking For
Panel contact should be:
Even from front to back
No lumps, bumps or gaps
Free from bridging (contact at the front and back with a gap through the middle)
Contact should feel consistent front to back on both sides.
If there is a gap through the middle - your saddle may be bridging and causing pressure points. Call your saddle fitters
Important Distinction
A small degree of lightness through the belly can be acceptable if the horse actively lifts into the saddle during movement. This is not the same as bridging, where the saddle lacks meaningful mid-panel support and concentrates pressure at the front and rear—often contributing to discomfort, resistance or muscle changes.
📅 IASF 2026 EVENTS & CPD SCHEDULE
🐴 IN-PERSON CASE STUDY DAY
Solving Saddle Fit Through Design
📍 Walsall Leather Museum 🗓 Wednesday March 11th, 2026
Join us for an immersive and highly educational day designed for student and qualified saddle fitters who want to strengthen their understanding of how saddle design can be used to solve complex fitting challenges.
During the day, we will:
Work through a complex real-world case study
Review photographs, videos, templates, clinical history and rider requirements
Build a detailed fitting brief grounded in anatomy, biomechanics, and performance needs
💻 ***FREE***NEW VIRTUAL CPD LAUNCH
Case Study Club
We’re excited to launch Case Study Club, a new virtual CPD opportunity for saddle fitters and student saddle fitters who want to deepen their clinical reasoning and practical problem-solving skills.
Case Study Club is a 1-hour interactive discussion group where participants collaboratively work through real saddle fitting cases. *free of charge for IASF Global Network Members Tier 2 +
📊 SADDLE FITTERS BUSINESS COACHING & ADVICE
Building technical skill is only part of a successful saddle fitting career. That’s why we also offer Business Coaching and Advice sessions, designed specifically for saddle fitters and equestrian professionals.
🌟 NEW YEAR, NEW CAREER
Train with the International Academy of Saddle Fitters
At the International Academy of Saddle Fitters (IASF) we specialise in delivering high-quality saddle fitting education to develop the next generation of world-class saddle fitters.
With a strong focus on equine welfare, our courses are designed and delivered by an experienced team of industry professionals who actively work within the saddle fitting field. This ensures our education is not only academically robust, but grounded in real-world practice.
Clear Education Pathways
We offer structured learning pathways that support:
Horse owners seeking deeper understanding
Equine professionals expanding their skillset
Students working towards qualification
Those pursuing a career as a professional saddle fitter
From your first steps into saddle fitting through to professional accreditation, we provide guidance, mentoring and evidence-based education every step of the way.
Flexible Learning Options
Online courses for accessible, global learning
In-person training for hands-on practical experience
Personable, engaging teaching that supports confidence and understanding
Full details of all courses and pathways can be found on our education site:👉 www.saddle-academy.com
🐴 IASF – Working Together for the Good of the Horse
Through education, collaboration and shared expertise, we are committed to raising saddle fitting standards and protecting equine welfare worldwide.
✨ Until Next Time
If you have questions about our education pathways, events or CPD opportunities, please contact admin@saddle-academy.com.
Here’s to a year of confident learning, professional growth and better outcomes for horses everywhere.
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