Become a Certified Equine Ergonomist

Add an in‑demand saddle‑fit evaluation skill to your equine business or turn your passion for horses into a profitable career

Join the world’s leading evidence‑based saddle‑fit certification and learn the full 80‑Point Saddle‑Fit Evaluation System, built on 40+ years of research and proven on 300,000+ horses worldwide. Trusted by veterinarians, Olympic riders, and universities worldwide.

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100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

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Whether you’re a bodyworker, vet, trainer, saddle fitter, farrier, barn manager, or serious rider ready to go pro, this program shows you how to:

  • Help Horses Move Freely Again
    Resolve soreness, hollow backs, and performance issues caused by poor saddle fit so horses can finally move without pain.
  • Prevent Long‑Term & Career‑Ending Damage
    Learn to identify early pain signals and stop the cycle of discomfort before it turns into lameness or chronic issues.
  • Build a Profitable, Professional Skillset
    Add a high‑value saddle‑fit evaluation service to your existing equine business or use it to launch a brand‑new career.

Resolve saddle-related issues, empower your clients with knowledge, and expand your professional services with a skill that truly makes a difference.

100% online and self‑paced, so you can complete everything from your barn or home, on your schedule.

  • Full CEE Curriculum
    Complete biomechanics, theory & case studies.
  • 80 Point Evaluation System
    Static + dynamic assessments used worldwide.
  • Externship + 1-on-1 Feedback
    Real student evaluations with instructor review.
  • Start Today, No Experience Needed
  • Help Horses Move Freely & Avoid Long-Term Damage
  • Grow Your Equine Business With a High-Value Skill

100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you decide the program isn’t right for you within 48 hours, we’ll refund your purchase, no questions asked.

40+

YEARS OF

RESEARCH

300K+

HORSES

ANALYZED

4,500+

STUDENTS

GLOBALLY

CPD Credits

VETERINARY

CREDITS

Trusted By Leading Organizations Around the World

Horses Are in Pain and Most Professionals Aren’t Trained to See Why

Ill-fitting saddles cause both physical and behavioral issues from back and shoulder pain to poor posture, girthiness, compensation patterns, and lack of hind-end engagement.

Every day, horses and their owners struggle to find answers to these problems. And shockingly, most equine professionals they turn to can only offer temporary relief.

You’ve seen it yourself: 

- The massage client with recurring back tension
- The horse in training that won’t engage,
- The osteopathy case that’s always sore around the withers.

Saddle-related pain is everywhere, no matter your role in the industry.

Now imagine being able to change that.

By adding saddle-fit evaluation to your services, you’ll identify the root cause of discomfort, support faster recovery, and bring lasting relief to horses who’ve been suffering for years.

You’ll not only transform outcomes for horses you’ll add a high-value skill that grows your income and establishes you as the go-to professional in your area.

Whether you’re a bodyworker, vet, saddle fitter, trainer, farrier, or barn manager, or someone dreaming of turning your passion into a profession, learning to recognize and resolve saddle-fit issues is the skill that sets you apart.

It’s not just another course, it’s a new income stream and a way to help horses live and perform better.

Not an equine professional yet? Perfect. Saddle-fit evaluations are one of the most in-demand skills in the industry and an ideal starting point for any equine career. They also stand alone as a full career path and are the best first step toward helping horses move freely and pain-free again.

You already know the signs: tension, bucking, poor topline, recurring soreness.

Now discover the one skill that can fix what others miss and transform your career in the process.

Stop Recurring

Issues

End the cycle of pain that returns after every treatment.

Build Client Trust

& Income

Become the professional riders recommend and happily pay for.

Enhance Treatment Outcomes

Your training, bodywork, and veterinary results are more effective once the saddle fits.

Introducing the Program:

The Certified Equine Ergonomist Course 

Built On Science Not Opinions

This is the world’s most comprehensive saddle-fit education founded on biomechanics, veterinary collaboration, and 40+ years of research & measurable results.

You’ll learn to evaluate any saddle, for any horse or rider, using a repeatable, evidence‑based system instead of guesswork, tradition, or brand bias.

Everything is 100% online and self-paced, so you can grow your skills without leaving the barn or your current business.

This is the world’s most comprehensive saddle-fit education founded on biomechanics, veterinary collaboration, and 40+ years of research & measurable results.


You’ll learn to evaluate any saddle, for any horse or rider, using a repeatable, science-based system not guesswork or brand bias.


Everything is 100 % online and self-paced, so you can grow your skills without leaving the barn or your current business.

Limited spots available each month!

Here’s Exactly What You’ll Master — Step by Step

1

 Foundations of Equine Ergonomics

Build a deep scientific understanding of how saddle fit affects both horse and rider.

You’ll explore equine spinal anatomy, reflex points, and biomechanics, learning to map the horse’s back, identify asymmetries, and debunk the most common saddle-fit myths still causing pain today.


By the end of this phase, you’ll understand why over 90% of saddles restrict movement and how to recognize and prevent it.

Build a deep scientific understanding of how saddle fit affects both horse and rider.


You’ll explore equine spinal anatomy, reflex points, and biomechanics, learning to map the horse’s back, identify asymmetries, and debunk the most common saddle-fit myths still causing pain today.


By the end of this phase, you’ll understand why over 90% of saddles restrict movement and how to recognize and prevent it.

2

 The 80-Point Saddle Fit Evaluation System

Move from theory to hands‑on skill using our proven 80‑Point Evaluation framework.


You’ll assess horses and riders both statically and dynamically, identify pressure points, tree‑shape conflicts, and subtle posture issues most professionals miss.


You’ll receive:
• 1-on-1 coaching from our certified Saddlefit 4 Life® evaluators, 

• Live sessions with Jochen Schleese and our expert coaches
• Detailed feedback on your real‑world case studies


You’ll develop the confidence and precision to perform full evaluations independently, supported every step of the way by industry professionals who ensure your skills meet the highest international standards.

Move from theory to hands-on skill development using our proven 80-Point Evaluation framework.


You’ll assess horses and riders both statically and dynamically, identify pressure points, tree shape conflicts, and the subtle posture issues most professionals miss.


During this phase, you’ll receive 1-on-1 coaching from our certified Saddlefit 4 Life® evaluators, participate in live sessions with Jochen Schleese and our expert coaches, and get detailed feedback on your real-world case studies.


You’ll develop the confidence and precision to perform full evaluations independently, supported every step of the way by industry professionals who ensure your skills meet the highest international standards.

3

 Professional Application & Income Expansion

Here’s where your new skill turns into a real, income‑generating service.

With certification‑level skills in place, you can begin offering paid saddle‑fit evaluations that plug straight into any existing equine profession or become a standalone service. Saddle‑fit issues are universal, which means every barn you walk into needs your expertise.

Most graduates start at around $200 per evaluation. Even at just four evaluations per week, that’s over $41,000 per year in additional income.


Put another way, at $200 per evaluation, about 20 evaluations cover your entire tuition. That’s just four evaluations a week for five weeks and every evaluation after that is pure profit for the rest of your equine career.

For you, that means you can:
• Resolve stubborn, saddle‑related issues other pros miss
• Offer a high‑value evaluation service riders will happily pay for
• Build a reputation as the trusted expert in your area

Here’s where knowledge becomes an income-generating service.


With your certification-level skills in place, you can begin offering saddle-fit evaluations as a paid service, a powerful complement to any existing equine profession.


Whether you’re a bodyworker, veterinarian, trainer, farrier, or instructor, this skill gives you the perfect “foot in the door” with new clients.


Saddle-fit issues are universal, which means every barn you walk into needs your expertise. You’ll stop sending business elsewhere, make your treatments more effective, and become the professional riders and owners turn to for lasting results.


Most graduates start at around $200 per evaluation and even at just four per week, that adds over $38,000 per year in additional income.
It’s the perfect way to increase your revenue, impact, and credibility in the equine industry.

4

 Advanced Opportunities & Saddle Solutions

Once certified, you can:
Offer saddle solutions by helping clients take the next step toward proper equipment, without needing to sell saddles or represent a specific brand.
Continue into MSF4: Master Saddle Fitter Training if you want to go deeper with in‑person, advanced training in saddle adjustments, fitting, and brand partnerships, opening the door to even greater earning potential.

Whether you stay as a Certified Equine Ergonomist or advance into full saddle fitting, both paths lead to long‑term success and professional respect.

Once certified, you’ll have the freedom to expand your services even further.


You can choose to offer saddle solutions by helping clients take the next step toward proper equipment without needing to sell saddles or represent a specific brand.


And for those who want to go deeper, you’ll have the option to continue into our MSF4: Master Saddle Fitter Training, an advanced, in-person certification designed for professionals who want to learn saddle adjustments, fitting, and brand partnerships.


This advanced training can 2x–3x your earning potential, while maintaining our hallmark of horse-first, evidence-based education.


Whether you stay as a Certified Equine Ergonomist or advance into full saddle fitting, both paths lead to long-term success and professional respect.

Each phase builds your skills, confidence, and credibility, combining scientific precision with real-world, revenue-ready expertise.
You’ll graduate not just knowing how to evaluate saddle fit, but how to transform horses’ lives and your own career.

Meet the Professionals Transforming Horses’ Lives

Real Results From Certified Students

Tammy Donaldson

PH.D. In Animal Behaviour / CEE Graduate

“After buying five saddles and still seeing pain in my horse, I finally found the answers in the CEE course. It opened my eyes to how often saddle fit is the real cause behind behavior issues — and now I help others see it too.”

Michelle Butler

Tack Store Owner / CEE Graduate

“As a tack store owner, I wanted education that wasn’t about sales. The CEE course gave me science-backed skills to truly help horses and riders — and my clients trust me more because of it.”

Inga Sukhoeva

Veterinarian / CEE Graduate

“This course gave me essential knowledge as both a vet and a coach. I finally see how saddle fit impacts both horse and rider — and how to prevent injuries before they start.”

Lara van den Berge

CEE Graduate

“This course made me realize how much pain I missed in my past horses. Now, I’m dedicated to helping others prevent the same mistakes.”

From Our Founder - Jochen Schleese

“For decades I’ve watched horses suffer needlessly from poor saddle fit.
I created this program so you can become the voice for those horses and build a career that matters.”

HOW CERTIFICATION WORKS

A clear, structured pathway that takes you from horse lover → skilled evaluator → certified professional.

Online Theory

Build a deep understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, saddle construction, rider influence, movement patterns, and the complete evidence-based approach to horse + rider assessment.
Learn at your own pace with 24/7 access.

Online Practicum

Put your learning into practice by completing guided assignments on horses and riders in your area.
Upload your assessments and receive personalized feedback from certified instructors who walk you through the corrections.

Externship

Complete 30 full saddle fit evaluations (static and dynamic) on real horses.
Submit photos, videos, and written documentation as you build confidence and mastery in the full 80+ point saddle fit evaluation system.

Certification

Once your externship is complete, you’ll earn your Certified Equine Ergonomist designation.
You’ll be professionally qualified to offer the industry’s most comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation to clients.

This certification is trusted in over 35 countries and recognized by leading veterinary and equine organizations.

  • It's NOT about brand-specific fitting, selling saddles or promoting a singular brand.
  • It's NOT about overcomplicating saddle fitting and leaving the rider/owner more confused than when they started.
  • It's NOT about being a brand representative or forgoing equine welfare for profit.

Everything You Get Inside The Certified Equine Ergonomist Program

Core Content

Your complete education, externship, certification, and professional support system

  • Full Certified Equine Ergonomist Curriculum – Lifetime Access — $3,997 Value
    Lifetime access to the full, step‑by‑step CEE curriculum: foundations of anatomy and biomechanics, the complete 80‑Point Saddle Fit Evaluation System, and professional application modules so you can confidently evaluate any horse and rider and turn those evaluations into a repeatable service.
  • 6 Months of Coaching, Live Q&A, Email Support & 1‑on‑1 Help — $1,500 Value
    Bi‑weekly calls, group coaching, direct email support, and the ability to book 1‑on‑1 virtual help when you’re stuck, so you’re never left trying to figure it out alone.
  • Hands‑On Certification: 30 Real‑World Evaluations Graded  $1,000 Value
    Complete 30 real saddle fit evaluations on horses in your area and get detailed, individualized feedback on each one so you graduate truly competent, ready to charge for your services.
  • Certified Profile Listing in Our Global Directory  $1,000 Value
    Be listed where riders, owners, and professionals look for certified experts in their region, helping new clients find and trust you faster.
  • Private Professional Community — $400 Value
    Connect with students and certified evaluators worldwide, share cases, and get advice so you’re never working in isolation.
  • Complete CEE Toolkit (Shipped to You) — $600 Value 
    Professional‑grade tools shipped to your door so you can confidently complete your assessments from day one, including: measuring tools, evaluation aids, and specialized instruments used throughout the Certified Equine Ergonomist curriculum. Want to see what’s inside? Watch a quick walkthrough of your CEE Toolkit.

Total Value: $8,497

Pay‑In‑Full Bonuses 

When you choose the pay‑in‑full option, you also unlock extra support to turn your new skill into income faster.
 
You already saw how even basic evaluations can add over $41,000/year, and at $200 per evaluation, roughly 20 evaluations can cover your entire tuition. 

These Pay‑In‑Full bonuses are specifically designed to help you get those first clients sooner and make each one more valuable:

  • 1‑on‑1 Session With Master Saddler Jochen Schleese — $1,000 Value
    Jump‑start your new skill and business with a private session where you and Jochen walk through a real case study, sharpen your evaluation, and map out exactly how to turn cases like this into confident, paying clients as quickly as possible.
  • First 5 Clients Launch Kit — $1,000 Value
    A clear, simple plan to get your first 5 paying evaluation clients in 30 days, including: starter offers, example pricing, outreach scripts, intake and follow‑up templates, and flyer / social copy.
  • Business Starter Toolkit — $1,000 Value
    Design and launch the business around your new skill faster with mission prompts, service and positioning templates, a simple pricing and revenue calculator, intake / legal starter templates, and a one‑page site & booking framework. You’ll also learn how to package and bundle evaluations with your existing services so each client is worth far more than a single visit.

Total Bonus Value: $3,000

(included when you enroll with the pay‑in‑full option)

Total Program Value: $11,497

Choose the tuition option that works best for you

Pay In Full

(Best Deal)

  • Full Certified Equine Ergonomist curriculum (lifetime access)
  • 6 months of coaching, Q&A, and support
  • 30 graded real‑world evaluations
  • Certified Profile Listing in Our Global Directory
  • Private Professional Community
  • Complete CEE Toolkit shipped as you start your externship
  • All three Pay‑In‑Full Bonuses included

$3,997

(One‑time payment)
Save $791 vs the 12‑month plan.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Try the program for 48 hours. If it’s not for you, we’ll refund your purchase.

12-MONTH PLAN

(Most Flexible)

  • Full Certified Equine Ergonomist curriculum (lifetime access)
  • 6 months of coaching, Q&A, and support
  • 30 graded real‑world evaluations
  • Certified Profile Listing in Our Global Directory
  • Private Professional Community
  • Complete CEE Toolkit shipped after your 3rd monthly payment as you start your externship

Note: Pay‑In‑Full bonuses are not included with the 12‑month plan.

$399/month

(Total: $4,788)

100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Try the program for 48 hours. If it’s not for you, we’ll refund your purchase.


Why Enroll Now

Limited New Students Per Month
Because every externship case is graded and you get real‑time support, we only accept a limited number of new professionals each month. Once those spots are full, new students are moved into the following month’s intake.

Tuition Reviewed 1–2 Times Per Year
As new content, support, and tools are added, tuition is reviewed periodically. If/when we increase it, anyone already enrolled is locked in at their original rate.

The Financial Cost of Waiting
Even at just four evaluations per week at $200 each, that’s over $41,000 per year in potential revenue. Every season you delay, you leave that opportunity on the table. Every day you keep guessing, another horse rides in pain that could have been prevented.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

(48 Hours, No Risk)

We want you to feel confident and excited when you join the Certified Equine Ergonomist program.


If you enroll today and decide within the first 48 hours that it’s not the right fit for you, simply email us and we’ll provide a 100% refund, minus standard processing fees.


No hoops. No hassle. No explaining required.

This short refund window protects the integrity of our certification
while still giving you complete peace of mind when you join.

We want you to feel confident and excited when you join the Certified Equine Ergonomist program.

If you enroll today and decide within the first 48 hours that it’s not the right fit for you, simply email us and we’ll provide a 100% refund, minus standard processing fees.

No hoops. No hassle. No explaining required.

This short refund window protects the integrity of our certification
while still giving you complete peace of mind when you join.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take any other course first?

No! You can jump right into the Certified Equine Ergonomist course without any pre-requisites. We only ask that students have a firm understanding of general equine care such as how to properly tack up their horse, and be able to identify basic lameness.

Do I need prior saddle fitting experience?

Not at all. This program is designed to teach professionals from all backgrounds, including vets, bodyworkers, coaches, riders, and even current saddle fitters, how to evaluate fit with science-based, brand-neutral tools. Whether you’re starting fresh or want to deepen your skills, you’re in the right place.

If you're already an active saddle fitter, you will still learn A LOT and we routinely have students who were certified elsewhere take the CEE course, who wish to expand their knowledge and better serve their clients.

Does the course cover English & Western saddles?

Yes! The course covers both English and Western, as well as other styles. Students are also able to complete the assignments and externship in their preferred saddle style. For example, if you're wanting to focus only on evaluating Western saddles, you can complete your externship with just Western saddles. The course itself is applicable to all saddle makes, models and styles.

How long does it take to get certified?

Most students complete the CEE program in 3–6 months, depending on how much time they dedicate each week. You have lifetime access to the curriculum, so you can pause and resume as needed.

How does the externship work?

You’ll complete 30 full saddle‑fit evaluations on real horses, then submit them online for review. Instructors provide detailed feedback on each one to make sure you’re accurately applying the methods before you start charging for evaluations.

Do I need to travel or own my own horse?

No. The course is fully online. You’ll practice at your own or local barns and submit your work virtually. Many students work with horses at barns in their area for their practicums and case studies.

What’s included in the course fee, and do I need to buy anything extra?

Your tuition includes the full CEE curriculum, externship grading and certification, support, and the CEE Toolkit. You do not need to purchase extra tools to complete the program.

Pay‑in‑full students also receive three additional business‑building bonuses. 

When will my toolkit ship?

We ship your toolkit right before you start the hands‑on externship, so it arrives when you actually need it for real horses.

Inside the course, once you complete the theory modules and are ready to move into your externship, you’ll fill out a short shipping form:

- Pay‑in‑full students: once you submit that form, we ship your toolkit.
- 12‑month plan students: we ship your toolkit once you’ve reached the externship section, submitted the form, and made at least 3 monthly payments.

This way your tools arrive in time for your practical work, while still keeping the program accessible with a monthly plan.

Is this recognized internationally?

Yes. We have trained over 4,500 students in 35+ countries with industry-recognized evidence-based methodology.

Can I earn CPD/CEU credits for this course?

Yes! Saddlefit 4 Life is officially approved for veterinary CPD credits in several regions:

1. Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA)
40 CPD credits for the Equine Ergonomist (EE) Course &
110 additional credits for completing the full Certified Equine Ergonomist (CEE) training

2. Germany — ATF Accreditation
13 ATF credits upon completion

If you're outside these areas, check with your local governing body. Many professionals are able to claim CPD based on existing approvals. You'll receive official certificates with credit hours listed upon completion.

For questions or help with documentation, contact us at info@saddlefit4life.com.

Will this make me a full saddle fitter, and do I have to sell saddles?

No. The CEE program makes you a Certified Equine Ergonomist, not a full flocking / tree‑adjusting saddle fitter. You’ll learn how to perform our full 80‑point saddle fit evaluation and give evidence‑based recommendations without needing to sell or represent any saddle brand.

We also include an optional bonus, “Intro to Saddle Solutions,” which shows you how to offer science‑based solutions using products that align with S4L principles, even if you never want to sell saddles yourself.

If, later on, you decide you want to become a full Master Saddle Fitter and learn flocking, tree adjustments, and saddle sales, CEE is the prerequisite for our advanced MSF4: Master Saddle Fitting Certification.

Can I talk to someone before enrolling?

Yes. You can schedule a virtual call with an instructor to discuss your goals, questions, and whether CEE is right for you.

Schedule Now

Still Wondering If It’s Right for You? Here’s What Others Discovered

Laura Paschini

Competitive Rider / CEE Graduate

“This course helped me solve my own horse’s comfort issues — and now I help others experience the same transformation.”

Sarah-Joy Cottingham

 Bodyworker / CEE Graduate

“I thought I understood saddle fit — but this course helped me unlearn myths and truly help horses in pain. It’s now a vital part of my services.”

Miia Niittymäki

CEE Graduate

“I joined because so many fitters gave me conflicting answers. This course finally gave me the clarity I needed — and the skills to help other horses too.”

Ready to add professional saddle‑fit evaluations to your business and become the expert horses and riders can’t stop recommending?

Saddlefit 4 Life Academy