What Training do you need to become a Saddle Fitter?

The role of a saddle fitter can sometimes be misunderstood. To some, they may think that so long as you can fit a saddle to a horse, you can consider yourself a saddle fitter. This is not the case, and there is plenty of work and training that goes into becoming a fully qualified saddle fitter. 

There are two ways to look at the training you need to become a saddle fitter. The first is the qualifications you need to tell others you are an accredited saddle fitter, and the second is the experience you need to become a saddle fitter. Join us in this blog as we delve into all the things you need to become a saddle fitter.

Saddle Fitter Qualifications

Typically, a saddle fitting course will include multiple stages that allow for appropriate development time. You can sign up for these at any reputable saddle fitting course, but we would always recommend one that integrates first-hand experience into its curriculum, such as the IASF Course.

Our course includes 4 stages that mix theory and practical learning to ensure the saddle fitters of the future have the appropriate skills to get the job done with confidence. The initial stages (1, 2 and the first part of stage 3) are delivered via remote learning, which is self-paced and instantly accessible. This means that before diving fully into becoming a saddle fitter, you can get a taste for what you will learn and what your career will look like. 

Once you have completed the early stages, you can then move on to stage 3, where the practical element comes in.

Benefits of Saddle Fitting Qualification

While there is no regulatory body demanding you have a qualification to saddle fit, a qualification carries several benefits that set you apart from the competition. Not only does it highlight a keen interest in saddle fitting, it also shows that a client can trust you know what you’re doing as you have the certificate to back it up. Whereas if you go off previous experience alone, you only have your word.

Experience Needed to Become a Saddle Fitter 

Equally as important as the qualifications to become a saddle fitter is the experience. This is especially vital for those who are looking to go self-employed and be responsible for sourcing their own work as a freelance saddle fitter. Experience demonstrates to future clients that you have a track record of being able to make alterations and recommendations that should be adhered to. 

The same goes for those who will take their qualification to work in a yard on an employed basis. This experience shows your future employer that you not only boast the right qualifications but also the experience to show you can put what you learned into practice. Here at IASF, our courses blend education with experience, giving our students the perfect balance to set them up as competent saddle fitters.

Become a Saddle Fitter with IASF

Are you interested in becoming a qualified saddle fitter? Why not get the qualification you need and the experience to set you apart with the International Academy of Saddle Fitters (IASF)? We’ve helped hundreds of saddle fitters across the world fulfil their desire to make their passion their career with our informative and educational courses. To find out more, head to our courses or get in touch with us.