top of page
Search

SADDLE FITTING INSIGHTS - JULY 2026 EDITION

Building Skills. Sharing Knowledge. Looking Ahead.


July has been another exciting month at the IASF, with the launch of an entirely new education programme and another milestone reached for our Professional Saddle Fitting Award.


As much of Europe continues to experience prolonged hot, dry weather, we've also seen an increase in questions surrounding sweat patterns and saddle fit. This month, we're separating fact from fiction and exploring why sweat marks are just one piece of the saddle fitting puzzle.



🪡 NEW! IASF SADDLERY BENCHWORK PROGRAMME NOW LIVE


We're delighted to announce the launch of the first course in our brand-new Saddlery Benchwork Programme.


Created with saddlery fitters in mind, but open to anyone with a passion for leatherwork, this hands-on programme develops the practical benchwork skills that underpin quality tack fitting and saddlery.

Whether you're looking to broaden your technical knowledge or develop practical repair and adjustment skills, this programme has been designed to bridge the gap between fitting theory and benchwork practice.


IASF Global Network Member Benefit


As part of your membership benefits, IASF Global Network members receive up to 10% discount on course tickets.


It's just one of the many ways membership helps support your continued professional development.


☀️ SUMMER SWEAT PATTERNS – What Are They Really Telling You?


With another exceptionally hot summer across much of Europe, many horse owners are paying closer attention to sweat marks after exercise. It's common to hear comments such as:


"The saddle must fit well because the sweat marks are even."

Or...

"That dry patch must mean there's pressure."


But is it really that simple?

The short answer is no.


Sweat patterns can provide useful clues, but they should never be used in isolation to determine whether a saddle fits correctly.



🐴 FOR HORSE OWNERS – Don't Judge Saddle Fit by Sweat Marks Alone


Checking your horse's back after a ride is good practice, particularly during the warmer months, but sweat patterns only form one small piece of a much bigger picture.


Many factors influence how your horse sweats, including:

  • Temperature and humidity

  • Exercise intensity

  • Coat length

  • Individual sweat gland distribution

  • Saddle pad materials

  • Saddle movement during exercise


A well-fitting saddle may leave areas of uneven sweat, while an ill-fitting saddle can sometimes produce surprisingly even sweat marks.

Instead of relying on sweat patterns alone, ask yourself:


  • Is my horse moving freely?

  • Is the saddle remaining stable throughout the ride?

  • Has my horse's behaviour changed?

  • Has my horse changed shape or fitness recently?


If you're unsure, arrange for your horse to be assessed by a qualified saddle fitter who can evaluate the complete picture—not just the marks left behind.



🎓 FOR SADDLE FITTERS – Sweat Patterns Should Support, Not Lead, Your Assessment


As professionals, it's easy to place significance on every mark left behind after exercise, but sweat patterns should always be interpreted with caution.


A thorough saddle fitting assessment should always consider:


  • Static saddle fit

  • Dynamic assessment

  • Horse symmetry and posture

  • Gait analysis

  • Rider balance and position

  • Saddle stability

  • Pressure distribution

  • Recent changes in workload, fitness and condition


Sweat patterns can support your findings, but they should never override careful observation, sound clinical reasoning or the horse's presentation.


Understanding the limitations of sweat patterns is just as important as recognising when they may provide useful supporting information.


📖 Want to Learn More?


We've explored this topic in much greater detail in our latest educational article, where we examine the science behind sweat patterns, explain some of the most common myths, and discuss what they can—and can't—tell us about saddle fit.



🎓 2026 PROFESSIONAL SADDLE FITTING COURSES ARE NOW FULLY BOOKED


We're delighted to announce that all of our 2026 Professional Saddle Fitting Award practical courses are now fully booked.


A huge thank you to everyone who has chosen to begin or continue their saddle fitting journey with the IASF. It's fantastic to see so many equestrian professionals investing in their education and helping to raise standards across our industry.


Interested in joining a future course? If you would like to be notified when 2027 dates are released, please email admin@saddle-academy.com to join our priority notification list.


We’d be delighted to keep you updated as soon as new course opportunities become available.


👀 2027 Course Dates Coming Soon


Planning for next year is already well underway, and we'll soon be releasing our 2027 practical course dates.


If you're considering a career in saddle fitting—or looking to formalise your existing experience—keep an eye on our newsletters, website and social media channels. We expect places to be in high demand once again.


🌍 JOIN THE IASF GLOBAL NETWORK


Learn More. Save More. Connect More.


The IASF Global Network is designed to support horse owners, saddle fitters and equine professionals at every stage of their learning journey.

As a member you'll enjoy:


  • Exclusive educational articles and resources

  • Discounts on courses, webinars and CPD events

  • Up to 10% discount on selected Saddlery Benchwork Programme courses

  • Early access to selected events

  • Professional discussions and case studies

  • A supportive international community committed to raising standards in equine welfare


Whether you're a horse owner wanting to understand your horse better or a professional committed to continuous development, the Global Network is here to support your journey.



💡 DID YOU KNOW?


Saddle fitting is one of the few equine professions that combines anatomy, biomechanics, craftsmanship, horse behaviour and rider analysis into a single discipline.


No two horses are the same, and no two saddle fitting appointments are identical. That's why continuous education and collaboration remain at the heart of everything we do.


The more we learn, the better equipped we are to make informed decisions that improve comfort, performance and welfare for every horse we work with.


✨ Until Next Time


As summer continues, remember that successful saddle fitting is never about relying on a single indicator. Whether it's sweat patterns, behaviour or static analysis; every assessment should consider the whole horse.


Thank you for being part of the IASF community and for sharing our commitment to evidence-based learning, collaboration and putting equine welfare first.


We look forward to sharing more exciting news—including our 2027 education programme—with you very soon.


IASF – Working together for the good of the horse. 🐴

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page