Saddle Fitting – Advanced Course for Trainers, Osteopaths, and Physiotherapists.

Learn saddle fitting online?  YOU CAN DO IT!  Learn at home. At your own pace and without the cost of travel. After completing the course, you can join the Case Review Group where we talk through real cases and practical solutions.

This course  equips you with the knowledge you need to go and solve real problems for horses and riders. You will learn how to work with Prestige, Passier, Bates, Sommer, Euroriding and other brands.

This intensive course is designed for professionals who already work with horses and wish to switch careers or to deepen their expertise of saddle fit and saddle technology.

A solid knowledge of equine anatomy and biomechanically correct riding is required. A list of recommended literature can be found here:

Literature
Course Content
Saddle Trees – Structure and Function

Anatomy of different saddle tree types

Materials, construction, and stability

Influence of the tree on pressure distribution and the horse’s freedom of movement

Manufacturers and Systems

Overview of common brands and their specific characteristics

Comparison of tree shapes, materials, and adjustment mechanisms

Advantages and disadvantages of various systems in practical use

Typical Weak Points and Damage Diagnostics

Cracks, torsion, material fatigue

Identifying hidden damage

Effects of defective trees on equine biomechanics

Adjusting Saddle Trees – Cold and Thermal

Basics of cold adjustment: tools, limitations, and risks

Thermal adjustment: when, how, and under which safety guidelines

Sustainable adjustment for different types of horses

Documentation and quality control

Correct Flocking – Techniques, Materials, and Limitations
Professional Flocking Techniques

Basics of saddle flocking: structure, zones, balance

Step-by-step techniques for correct reflocking

Symmetry, pressure distribution, and fine adjustments

When and how much adjustment is appropriate — and when it is not

Material Science

Different filling materials (wool, synthetic fibers, blends)

Properties, durability, and behavior under load

Choosing the right material for various horses and saddles

Technique & Biomechanical Background

How flocking influences saddle placement and balance

Relationship between flocking height and the horse’s topline

Why certain flocking techniques can be harmful

Limits and Possibilities

What can be corrected with flocking — and what cannot

Recognizing when the tree or the panel is the real cause

Common mistakes and risks of improper flocking

Repositioning the Girth Straps – When, Why, and How

A correctly positioned girthing system is essential for saddle stability and the horse’s freedom of movement.

Which Saddle for Which Horse?

Overview of common back shapes: straight, curved, short, broad

Comparison of saddle models and manufacturers

Which brands and tree systems suit which back types

Why certain designs work: balance point, contact area, shoulder clearance, spine clearance