SADDLE FIT CHALLENGE
Equine Ergonomist Sneak Peek
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Enroll & Complete The Sneak Peak By Jan.31st For Your Chance To Win Full Scholarship To The Equine Ergonomist Course ($1,997 Value)
Unlock The First 8 Lessons Of the Equine Ergonomist Course For Free..
Enroll & Complete The Sneak Peak By Jan.31st For Your Chance To Win Full Scholarship To The Equine Ergonomist Course ($1,997 Value)
The Most Comprehensive Saddle Fitting Courses Available. Trusted By Body Workers, Veterinarians, Saddle Fitters & Equine Professionals Worldwide
#1 SADDLE FITTING COURSEs
IN THE WORLD
EVIDENCE-BASED FITTING
With so many schools of thought within the world of saddle fitting, it can be difficult to determine what and who to trust. When it comes to evidence-based saddle fit that protects both horse and rider from preventable pain and injury, our courses are the pinnacle of saddle fit education. We have partnered with physicians, veterinarians, researchers, and all manner of equine and human professional to bring you the most comprehensive training.
Our step-by-step process distilled from thousands of hours of hands-on experience, coupled with decades worth of knowledge from a collective group of experts and professionals means we’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to!
Trusted around the world by professionals from every facet of the equine industry, even already practicing saddle-fitters!
Horses Evaluated
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Years Of Research
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SOME OF OUR PARTNERS
Equine Ergonomist Course
Is it right for you?
Suitable for Riders & Equine Professionals
Self-paced learning without requiring personalized 1 on 1 mentorship.
Safeguard your horse and finances from mistakes and unqualified fitters.
Eliminate guesswork and diagnose saddle-related lameness that works with any horse and saddle.
Earn an additional $20k-$90K per year by learning to provide Saddle Solutions.
Learn saddle fit and enhance your skills without formal certification.
Gain essential knowledge in just 1 month to educate clients and protect horses from poorly fitting saddles.
Great for Equine Professionals aiming to boost client trust by preventing saddle-related issues and improving the effectiveness of their treatments.
HERE'S WHY MANY PEOPLE STILL STRUGGLE WITH SADDLE FIT
At Saddlefit 4 Life we’ve worked with thousands of riders around the world and understand the struggle in finding a qualified fitter or a saddle that works for both you and your horse.
Saddle fitting shouldn’t be confusing or frustrating.
#1: CONFLICTING INFORMATION:
You can bring out 5 different saddle fitters and get 10 different opinions on what is "right". Sometimes it's based on fitter-bias, sometimes it's what they say just to make a sale, while other times it's just due to lack of knowledge on what CORRECT saddle fitting is. With so much misinformation floating around, it's no wonder people are constantly frustrated and confused.
#2: SALES DRIVEN 'ADVICE'
In many cases a saddle fitter is out to do more than check a saddle, they typically want to sell you a new solution to your existing problem, or a service that might not actually be needed, or be helpful. When service is driven by a need to meet a sales quota or service quota, the welfare of the horse may no longer be top priority.
#3: NO REGULATION
Saddle fitting as a whole is unregulated, meaning anyone, regardless of education or lack thereof can call themselves a saddle fitter and provide fitting services. What's worse is that there is typically nothing the owner can do if the fitter ends up causing saddle-related injuries or lameness.
#4: IF, OR, BUT NEVER TOGETHER
Saddle fitting is about fitting BOTH the horse and rider together, with rider fit a hugely important piece of the puzzle that shouldn't be ignored. Unfortunately many fitters focus solely on fit to the horse, with very little consideration on fit to the rider despite the fact that improper rider fit can negatively impact fit to the horse.
All Too Often People Get Stuck In An Endless Cycle Of Buying/Selling Saddles Without Ever Getting To The Root Cause Of The Problem: Proper Evaluation Of The Horse & Rider To Find The Correct Saddle Solution!
Calling All Riders, Bodyworkers, Vets, Trainers, And Equine Professionals!
The time is now to be the voice for the horse and revolutionize our industry. We urgently need passionate individuals to step up and champion the prevention of saddle-related injuries for both horse and rider.
As experts in the field, you are uniquely positioned to make a profound impact.
Walk into any tack shop, and you’ll witness a plethora of specialty pads, girths, risers, and other aids aimed at fixing saddle fit issues. However, the real issue lies in the lack of understanding behind these quick-fix solutions.
Many people use them without comprehending the potential severe and lasting consequences.
They often overlook why their saddle doesn’t fit or which specific areas pose concerns. Without accurate, detailed, and evidence-based assessments, these purchases result in wasted money.
No gimmick can substitute for a properly fitting saddle.
Saddle Fitting for ALL
makes, models & styles!
Whether it’s English, Western, or any other style, a horse’s biomechanics and structures must be protected and supported.
Our core understanding and principles empower us to prevent unnecessary pain, injury, and lameness in both horse and rider.
With the modern breeding trend of horses with shorter backs, the need for advocates who prioritize equine well-being and provide genuine saddle fitting expertise has never been greater.
Join us in making a tangible difference and ensuring the health and comfort of our equine companions.
WHAT IS IN IT FOR ME?
Are you tired of witnessing horses stuck in a vicious cycle of discomfort and reinjury despite your best efforts? It’s time to address the overlooked culprit: saddle fit.
As a rider or equine professional, you understand the frustration of seeing your horse or clients’ horses receive treatments only to have the same ill-fitting saddle reap havoc once again.
This cycle not only wastes time and money but erodes trust in your expertise.
Failure to assess the saddle as a cause of lameness or pain will have you running in circles without a solution because you are not treating the root cause.
If another equine professional is able to point this out, this may paint you as uninformed or potentially lose you a client.
Misunderstandings = Lost Trust & Lost Business
Learning the theory behind saddle fit evalutions based on anatomy and biomechanics will give you an additional diagnostic tool to better understand and service your client.
Prevent unqualified professionals from coming in and contradicting your diagnoses.
Maintain client trust and relationships by assisting them in an often misunderstood and underrepresented/poorly serviced facet of care
Educate riders, owners and other horse enthusiasts on how to protect their horse from preventable injuries and lameness caused by improperly fitted saddles.
Saddles have far-reaching effects and can cause full-blown lameness yet...
Are the easiest thing to replace/fix
Relatively straightforward to assess properly
Can provide INSTANT relief to the horse
Don’t always require replacement or even adjustment
By showing your clients where their problems are and guiding them on how to find a solution, you build TRUST
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
The MOST COMPREHENSIVE Saddle Fitting Courses Available!
- History of Saddle Making & Saddle Manufacturing
- Technology & Saddle Fitting
- The 15 Factors That Affect Saddle Fit
- The Circle of Influence
- Equine Musculoskeletal Structures
- The 14 Reflex Points
- Muscular & Postural Changes
- The 5 Lines & Mapping the Horse
- The Saddle Support Area
- Shoulder Rotation & Scapula Cartilage
- Equine Body Description & Analysis
- Body Description & Saddle Components Relationship
- Horse & Rider Balance Alignment
- Bone Clearance & Gullet Channel Width
- Proper Panel Contact & Movement
- Billet Alignment & Saddle Length
- Saddle Straightness
- Tree Angle & Tree Width
- Analyzing Dust Patterns & Dry Spots
- Physical Damage Caused By Improper Saddle Fit
- Bad Behavior vs Pain Reaction
- Saddle Related Postural Issue
- Human Anatomy & Biomechanics
- Male vs Female Rider
- How To Take Measurements of the Rider
- How To Take Measurements, Tracings and Angles Of The Horse
- Static Saddle Fit to the Horse (English & Western)
- English & Western Saddle Fit to Rider
- Common Rider Health Issues
- Saddle Pads & Shimming
- Understanding Hoof Balance By The Equine Documentalist
- Common Fit Myths & Misconceptions
- Billet Adjustment for Saddle Straightness
- Dynamic Saddle Fit to the Horse
- Dynamic Saddle Fit to the Rider
- Plus Much More!
PLUS GET 40 CPD CREDITS
Now Approved By
We are excited and proud to announce that the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association has approved our Courses for Continuing Personal Development Credits! Complete the Equine Ergonomist (EE) Course for 40 CPD credits and if you end up completing the Certified Equine Ergonomist (CEE) Course you can get an additional 110 CPD credits. This means you can write off our course as a business expense!
This adds to further proof that Saddlefit 4 Life is the pinnacle of saddle fit education. No other course goes into as much detail about the importance of anatomically and biomechanically correct saddle fit for both horse and rider than us. See why we’re top of the list for all equine professionals, even practicing saddle fitters!
WHAT THIS COURSE IS NOT
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.
SEE WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE CEE COURSE!
Lara van den Berge
Doing the Saddlefit 4 Life CEE course was eye opening to the vast amount of detail that goes into fitting a saddle correctly to both horse and rider. There are so many important details that get overlooked so easily. At first, before I did the course, I thought I was passionate about helping horse and rider and I signed up, but now I have become obsessed and driven to help find solutions to the problems that we face in the saddle and on the horse. I learn through my own past mistakes every day by reminiscing about my life and riding career with my retired mare and how I could not help her due to lack of knowledge so many years ago, now that I know what I did not know back then... What really has become clear to me is the amount of pain and discomfort these dear horses endure, simply because we don't realize that they are are suffering. Behavior changes and bad behavior patterns, clear or subtle, are a result of us not listening to the horse. We are not educated and informed enough, so we don't hear what they say to us or how they say it to us. I focus on listening.... I intend to help and educate and learn together with my clients as much as I possibly can, both horse and rider, and to ensure that they are happier and more comfortable in and under saddle so that quality of life and life expectancy can be extended and ensured through education and guidance to each and every client and horse that I meet on my journey. I am very excited about this path that I have chosen.
Tammy Donaldson
Tammy McCormick Donaldson, M.S., Ph.D., CAAB, CHBC began her career with horses as an assistant trainer while attending university and as a barn manager before returning to graduate school. She earned a M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Behavior at Washington State University (WSU). She completed her training in Clinical Animal Behavior at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital Behavior Clinic. She has been a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist since 2003. Tammy has also received additional certification from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) as a Horse Behavior Consultant. Tammy’s passion is improving horse welfare through behavior modification, environmental enrichment, and proper saddle fit. She offers behavior consultation and saddle fit evolution through her practice, Evolved Equine Consulting In her downtime, Tammy enjoys competing in competitive trail riding (NATRC) and studying classical dressage.
Tammy writes: "My journey through the CEE (Certified Equine Ergonomist Course) & externship was enlightening in many ways and challenging at times. I decided to take the CEE course because I had been on a four-year journey to understand why, after purchasing five saddles, was my horse still showing pain and lack of muscle development. I saw Jochen’s presentation at the International Society of Equitation Science (ISES) meeting and was encouraged that this program would provide that understanding. As a Certified Equine Behavior Consultant and a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, I also thought that this course could help provide insight into many of the behavior issues that I was seeing and suspected were due or exacerbated by poor saddle fit. I was amazed at the quantity and quality information that I gained in the course. After completing the course I became more aware of how the pain from poor saddle fit was impacting the behavior of the horses I was seeing. One of the greatest challenges in working with horse owners and horse professionals is that there is such a persistent belief that the issues that the horse is showing is due to poor temperament or learned behavior, rather than the communication of pain. It is my goal to instruct and demonstrate to these individuals how saddle fit can impact the health, performance, and behavior of horses and in doing so, improve the welfare of the horses in their care."
Pavlina Plevkova
The Certified Equine Ergonomist course exceeded my expectations. Over the last few years, I have become more interested in saddle fitting, mainly because of my pony mare. I wanted to find a comprehensive educational program where I would learn what to focus on when choosing a saddle and what to look out for. After a coincidence, I enrolled in the Saddlefit4life educational program and I am glad that I decided to do so. The course was very comprehensive, information based on knowledge of horse anatomy and biomechanics. I gained a lot of new information, skills and I began to understand the context. At the same time, I was thrilled by the saddle fit, so I will definitely be educating and improving in this direction.
Sarah-Joy Cottingham
The CEE course has been incredibly comprehensive and insightful. The knowledge I have gained has already significantly helped me in my Equine Body Therapy and horse training work which is the main reason I undertook this course. I never intended to train in saddlefitting, I had other courses I wanted to do! However if I was to get to the source of why so many of my clients horses were experiencing reoccuring pain, behavioural issues and ongoing pathologies especially when many had saddles professionally fitted! I had to further my education about saddles. And there began my search for the holy grail of saddlefitting - The Equine Ergonomy training. This training has answered the questions I had and will continue to have. I have not only embarked on a journey of learning I have had to “unlearn” many theories and concepts about saddlefitting and saddle design that I never questioned in my 45 years of riding. I dedicate this qualification to my amazing horses throughout my life that suffered in silence from my ignorance and lack of knowledge and information. I pledge to continue knowing better so I can continue doing better. I am very excited to offer this as a vital component to my equine services and contribute further to the welfare and longevity of our most deserving equines. I am forever grateful to Jochen and his team at saddlefit4life!
Alison Thomas
Becoming a CEE was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my horse career. I have been riding and competing in various western events my whole life, but I never understood the impact a saddle had on a horse and rider's performance and quality of life. Through the CEE course, I now have a thorough grasp on the multitude of variables that contribute to a well-fitted saddle all backed by science. With this skill, I plan to help other people who, like me, are looking for a way to remove the barriers of communication and improve their riding partnership.
Fay Hatch
I undertook the SF4L Equine Ergonomist Externship/Course to learn more about saddle fitting both for my horse & for other horses in the Northern Territory (Australia) community. The Externship is very detailed with assessments of riders ,horses & saddles & written assessments. Lots of reading - especially Jochen's book "Suffering in Silence" & his video clips. I have been able to assess the fit of my saddles on my Warmblood horse, & appreciate the positive changes that occur with a saddle that fits both horse & rider. I have developed knowledge, skills & confidence in saddle fitting, so that I can help local riders understand saddle fit for their horses & to know the basics of what the ideal saddle should look like. I will continue to offer my CEE services to the local Northern Territory (Australia) community so that horses & riders can benefit. By riders knowing more about saddle fit, more saddle manufacturers will be pressured to develop better fitting fully adjustable saddles. The Saddlefit 4 Life course and externship has given me many answers as to why my performance horses over the years have had discomfort, pain & injury from ill fitting saddles(despite consulting with saddlers & other learned people - who did not know! ) I encourage all riders to do this course.
THE SADDLEFIT 4 LIFE DIFFERENCE
trusted saddle fitting education built by a network of world class experts
Our Equine Ergonomist Course is truly unlike any other saddle fitting courses you’ve ever seen.
Because it’s not about sales, making exceptions or blindly following damaging traditions, but instead it focuses entirely on respecting the anatomy of the horse and rider, and fitting to the unique and specific needs based on our trusted and often poorly mimicked 80+ point evaluation.
Instead of focusing on a single facet of saddle fitting, we have developed a course that brings all the pieces of the puzzle together, answering your burning questions not just of HOW, but also WHY.
It’s a process that is trusted by veterinarians, bodyworkers and other equine professionals globally, and for good reason. It works, it makes sense and is repeatable. No other saddle fitting system is as comprehensive or accurate.
SIMPLE, ACTIONABLE & PROVEN
SADDLE FITTING THAT DOES NO HARM
- Provide accurate saddle fit evaluations for both horse and rider
- Confidently troubleshoot saddle fitting issues, concerns & questions
- Diagnose saddle related lameness or behavioral issues
- Provide an additional, value-added unbiased, evidence-based service
READY TO START?
FREE ACCESS
EQUINE ERGONOMIST SNEAK PEEK
+ GET ACCESS TO THE FIRST 8 LESSONS
+ FREE ACCESS FOR 7 DAYS
+ ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME
+ FREE ACCESS FOR 7 DAYS
+ ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME
Regular $1,997
FREE
This Course is Perfect For...
- Equine Professionals looking for A COMPREHENSIVE and PROVEN approach to saddle fitting that removes the guesswork and simplifies the process. That can be applied to any horse and saddle to help diagnose saddle-related lameness
- Equine Professionals that do not need an official designation and certification and are simply looking to add another skill to their existing services.
- Everyday riders who are not looking to provide a service to a client but want to deepen their own understanding of saddle fit to protect themselves and their horses from unqualified saddle fitters and save thousands of dollars from purchasing the wrong saddles and equipment.
- For Equine professionals who want to prevent loss of trust with their clients by improving the effectiveness of their treatments by preventing ill-fitting saddles from causing recurring issues.
- People who want to work at their own pace and don’t need 1 on 1 mentorship
- Learn in as little as 1 month how to give your clients key points they can takeaway to value your knowledge and protect their horses from ill-fitting saddles.
- Attract more clients with skills above your competition
- For people who are looking for the most affordable option to get started now!
THE COST OF INACTION
Where will you and your horse be 30, 60 or 90 days from now?
By following the simple blueprint laid out on how to properly evaluate saddle fit to the specific needs of the horse and rider, you could be helping to prevent saddle related injury and lameness within your horse community.
Will it take hard work and dedicated focus? Of course it will. Will it challenge you? Absolutely. Will we be there with you every step of the way to make sure you succeed? Yes, 100% yes.
You should run from any course that promises you’ll be a full fledged saddle fitter in a few months time, or doesn’t focus on the anatomy or biomechanics of the horse and rider.
It’s worth every minute of your time you put into it, and you will come out the other side with a renewed understanding of the science behind proper saddle fitting, its far-reaching effects and how much it can support or hinder both the horse and rider.
Consequences people never even think are from an ill-fitting saddle are discussed as we answer your burning questions and equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a positive change in the equine community.
Instead of wasting money playing musical saddles, or calling out every saddle fitter under the sun to only find yourself more confused and frustrated than before, all without any knowledge of how to protect yourself or your horse from the consequences of poor fit….
You could simply invest in our course for less than most people spend each day on coffee, gas and lunch. Get access to education that can protect you, protect your horse, protect your clients.
Plus, the Equine Ergonomist course qualifies as a tax-deductible expense under the continuous education category.
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.
There are a lot of saddle fitting courses, what makes this one the best?
We have spent over 30 years developing and perfecting this course with the collaboration of professionals ranging from OB/GYNs to physicians, researchers, veterinarians and so many more. Our focus has always been evidence-based, anatomy and biomechanics focused with the mission to prevent injury and pain, full stop. Our course is considered the most comprehensive saddle fitting course in the world, and is also trusted by universities, veterinarians, bodyworkers and organizations the world over.
What if I'm not very technical or a more tactile learner?
Our instructors will be with your every step of the way, and help you in a way that speaks to your learning style. No other online course offers this level of support and guidance, with customized assistance for each student to ensure their success. We fully support students who schedule Virtual Sessions and bring us along with them to the barn.
Do I need saddle fitting experience?
No! You do not need any prior saddle fitting experience to take the CEE course. 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.
Is there a limit to how much support I can receive?
Since the Equine Ergonomist Course is a Sneak Peek course and offered for free we do not offer support. However if you enroll in our full Equine Ergonomist course or Certified Equine Ergonomist course you will receive unlimited support for 12 months!
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.
Do I need to travel anywhere?
No! You can complete the entire course in the comfort of your own home and barn. The only travel you would need to do is to your barn to practice the methods and complete your assignments and externship.
Are our courses recognized?
All of our certificate courses (CEE & CSE) are internationally recognized, and can also be utilized towards a persons Continuing Education/Continued Professional Development credits.
How do i get my CPD credits?
Participants of the course may claim a total of forty (40) hours of credit towards their OVMA Continuing Education Recognition Program for completing the Equine Ergonomist Course, plus an additional 110 hours if they complete the entire Certified Equine Ergonomist Course including the onsite practicum with hands-on diagnostics and evaluations.
When you finish each section of the course you will receive a certificate with the amount of CPD credits awarded.
It is suggested that equine professionals confirm with their own governing bodies that the OVMA accreditation is relevant in their geographical regions.
If you have any questions please contact us at info@saddlefit4life.com
I am a current saddle fitter, do I need this course?
Since there is no standardization across the different saddle fitting schools, there is a huge variation between what is taught. Our course is considered the most comprehensive with a heavy focus on anatomy, biomechanics and thoroughly understanding the different functions within the body to better protect it with appropriate saddle fit based on the measurements of the horse and rider in front of you. We have many students who are certified through different schools that still find our course extremely useful and has helped to answer a lot of their questions that may not have been answered in their previous courses.
I have more questions, would it be possible to speak to someone on the phone/zoom about the course?
Yes! You can schedule a virtual call with one of our instructors using this link:
Schedule Now
Please note that we are located in Ontario, Canada and are in Eastern Standard Time.
Schedule Now
Please note that we are located in Ontario, Canada and are in Eastern Standard Time.
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