Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our courses

Offering Online & In-Person saddle fitting courses

Please visit Programs | International Academy of Saddle Fitters (saddle-academy.com) to access online learning.

You can filter the relevant material for the course you are studying by using the scrolling menu bar on the Online Learning page.

Level 3 Students!! Your online learning is included in your course fee. Please sign up to the Level 3 Student Plan to gain free access. A code will have been given to you upon booking your practical date to reduce the cost of the level 3 student plan to £0.

Our online learning is open to all and you can buy each module as a standalone course.

No. The level 3 student plan is included in your practical booking. You will be provided with a code after you have paid for your practical date which will reduce the cost of the level 3 student plan to £0. Please contact admin@saddle-academy.com if you cannot find your code.

You will need to manually ‘join’ each online learning course in our Online Learning section here Programs | International Academy of Saddle Fitters (saddle-academy.com)

All online courses you have joined will be visible in the ‘My Learning Zone’ page which can be found here My Learning Zone | IASF (saddle-academy.com)

If you have just forgotten your password you can select the ‘forgotten password’ button on the log in screen.

If you have forgotten which email address you used to create an account please contact admin@saddle-academy.com and our support team will be happy to help you.

To become a saddle fitter you will need to gain an industry recognised award or certification from an accredited training provider. Students should have a strong passion for equine welfare and at least 10 years equestrian experience.

Becoming a saddle fitter involves a structured and comprehensive training program designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
1. **Enrol in the Saddle Fitter Course**: Visit the IASF website and sign up for the Saddle Fitter Training program. Make sure you meet any prerequisites listed on the course page.
2. **Complete Online Modules**: Our course is designed with a series of online modules covering topics such as equine anatomy, saddle design and construction, fitting techniques, and client communication.
3. **Participate in Practical Sessions**: In addition to online learning, you may need to attend practical sessions. These hands-on workshops will provide real-world experience under the guidance of experienced saddle fitters.
4. **Pass Assessment Exams**: After completing the coursework and practical sessions, you will need to pass a series of assessments to demonstrate your proficiency.
5. **Receive Certification**: Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a certification from IASF, indicating that you are qualified to practice as a saddle fitter.
6. **Start Your New Career**: With your certification, you can now begin your career as a professional saddle fitter, providing valuable services to horse owners and equestrian centers.

At IASF, we are committed to providing a thorough and effective training experience to help you succeed in your new career. For more details on enrolling, visit our official website and explore our Saddle Fitter Training program.

Once you have purchased your chosen student plan head over to ‘Online Learning’ on our website menu. Here you will be able to see all of our online content and join your course.

You must be signed in to the website to get access to your courses.

Next to the price of each course you will see ‘included in your plan’ for all content which is relevant to your selected student plan.

Yes! After successful completion of the level 3 certificate you will be able to work as a professional saddle fitter and obtain appropriate insurance.

Yes. To maintain your level 3 certification you will need to complete a total of 36 hours of CPD every year. CPD is an important aspect of your ongoing development.

Yes, all qualified IASF students must accept our standard policies and code of conduct. These policies can be downloaded here:

CODE OF CONDUCT V2 2022Download
CPD PolicyDownload
Media Policy 2022Download

Yes, all of our courses are accredited by UKRS with our Stage 3 Professional Saddle Fitting Award accredited by LANTRA, an OfQual regulated body providing nationally recognised certification.

Stage 1 – This is fully virtual so can be completed on line.

Stage 2 – This is fully virtual so can be completed on line.

Stage 3 – 70% of the level 3 is online learning however there is a mandatory practical element (5 day intensive course and exam) which must be completed to gain certification.

Stage 4 – This is a fully practical course with no on-line learning option. To make it more accessible for international students our level 4 courses always run back-to-back with our stage 3 practical courses.

Yes, IASF are passionate about ongoing learning and support. All students will receive lifetime access to our Facebook Study Group where they can ask questions and discuss topics with their peers and mentors. In addition to this our course mentors are always happy to offer one to one help and support.

There are no specific entry requirements to start learning. Each stage of training includes access to all pre-requisite learning.

You are required to have at least 10 years experience with horses before undertaking our qualification training and a strong understanding of horsemanship as well as confident horse handling is essential.

If you have existing saddle fitting education with either the SMS, MSFC, Horse 1st or Saddle Fit 4 Life you may bypass stage 1 and 2 and enter directly at stage 3 however as access is provided to stage 1 & 2 we do strongly suggest this is completed to refresh your memory and gain additional, foundation, saddle specific knowledge however it is not essential.

All qualified Vets and Vet Physios may bypass stage 1 & 2 and gain access directly to level 3.

We do strongly recommend completing stage 1 & 2 to provide additional foundation, saddle specific knowledge however it is not essential. Stage 1 &2 content is provided free of charge to all stage 3 students.

No, there is no requirement to make on-going payments to the IASF. The only requirement is to maintain 36 CPD hours annually

All course fees are non-refundable. In line with Distance Selling Regulations once you have started learning with the IASF you will not be eligible for a refund. If you are unhappy with the service provided please contact admin@saddle-academy.com to discuss your concerns and our helpful team will get back to you promptly.

Yes, for our stage 3 course we offer a split payment of 50% at the time of enrolment with the remaining balance due prior to your selected practical training date. To take advantage of this offer please enter code QUALDEPOSIT when selecting your preferred stage 3 practical date.

Finance can also be obtained through our partners at Kandoo Finance

Other payment options may be offered on a case by case basis. If you are having financial difficulty please contact admin@saddle-academy.com to discuss your options.