05/02/2025
The saddle industry is unregulated.
Without global standards or governing bodies that oversee saddle design, sale, or the profession as a fitter.
This means anyone can call themselves a saddle fitter and many receive training that’s brand-specific or focused only on product features, not on anatomy, biomechanics, or functional fit.
Others pick it up through experience alone. And while experience matters, it’s not the same as qualification.
We wouldn’t accept a doctor who got their “training” by treating colds at home and reading a few forums. So why is that okay when it comes to saddles, something that directly affects our horse’s health and welfare?
The lack of regulation leads to a flood of differing opinions, inconsistent practices, and well-meaning professionals doing their best, but often without the full picture.
Ask five saddle fitters the same question, and you might get ten different answers.
And that’s not just a joke, it’s the reality many horse owners face.
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge just how frustrating that is.
When your horse is in pain or you’ve successfully identified other symptoms of poor saddle fit, the last thing you want is guesswork.
And yet, many riders find themselves caught between conflicting opinions, vague advice, and fitters who contradict one another, all while their horse is still uncomfortable.
It’s no wonder so many horse owners and professionals end up thinking:
“If I want this done right, I’m going to have to learn it myself.”
And while yes, that’s great for us as a saddle fit education academy, it shouldn’t have to be that way.
We believe everyone should understand more about saddle fit, so we can collectively raise the bar.
But no, you shouldn’t have to become an expert just to get a consistent answer or do right by your horse.
We’re working hard to change that.
To create clarity.
To bring in a universal language.
To make saddle fit make sense.
We see your frustration.
We hear your questions.
And we’re here to help.
