Certified Equine Ergonomist — Theory

Course Overview:

This course builds your foundational knowledge in equine anatomy, biomechanics, and saddle fitting theory. You’ll learn to identify the saddle support area, understand what affects saddle fit over time, and recognize the signs of poor fit in horses.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Map the saddle support area and locate the 14 reflex points on the horse
  • Understand the Circle of Influence and factors affecting saddle fit over time
  • Recognize behavioral and physical signs of poor saddle fit in horses
  • Navigate saddle industry myths and understand correct fitting principles
  • Apply knowledge of equine anatomy, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal structure
  • Identify how saddle fit impacts the horse’s movement and posture
  • Complete initial horse assessments and saddle inspections

Course Structure:

Modules with video lessons, quizzes, hands-on skill building exercises, and community engagement. You’ll practice mapping horses, analyzing movement, and building observation skills throughout the program.

⭐PHASE 1: Core Training – Theory and Foundation

Welcome – Foundational Training
Lesson 1 of 2 within section ⭐PHASE 1: Core Training – Theory and Foundation. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Professional Commitments of a Certified Equine Ergonomist
Lesson 2 of 2 within section ⭐PHASE 1: Core Training – Theory and Foundation. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Has Quiz

Module 1 – Online Learning and Platform Instruction

How to Navigate the Platform
Lesson 1 of 3 within section Module 1 – Online Learning and Platform Instruction. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Learning Strategies and Study Tips
Lesson 2 of 3 within section Module 1 – Online Learning and Platform Instruction. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
🌐Community Links and Guidelines
Lesson 3 of 3 within section Module 1 – Online Learning and Platform Instruction. You must enroll in this course to access course content.

Module 2 – Saddle Support Area Foundations

The Saddle Support Area?
Lesson 1 of 3 within section Module 2 – Saddle Support Area Foundations. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Identifying the Saddle Support Area on the Horse
Lesson 2 of 3 within section Module 2 – Saddle Support Area Foundations. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Common Mistakes
Lesson 3 of 3 within section Module 2 – Saddle Support Area Foundations. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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Module 3 – The Circle of Influence

The Circle of Influence
Lesson 1 of 4 within section Module 3 – The Circle of Influence. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Factors Affecting Saddle Fit (Rider, Horse, Saddle)
Lesson 2 of 4 within section Module 3 – The Circle of Influence. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Frequency of Saddle Fit Evaluations
Lesson 3 of 4 within section Module 3 – The Circle of Influence. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
♦️ Bonus: Circle of Influence Webinar Library
Lesson 4 of 4 within section Module 3 – The Circle of Influence. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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Module 4 – Consequences of Poor Saddlefit

Behaviour is Communication
Lesson 1 of 6 within section Module 4 – Consequences of Poor Saddlefit. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Ridden Horse in Pain Ethogram by Dr. Sue Dyson 
Lesson 2 of 6 within section Module 4 – Consequences of Poor Saddlefit. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Physical Damage to the Horse 
Lesson 3 of 6 within section Module 4 – Consequences of Poor Saddlefit. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Postural Issues Caused by Poor Saddle Fit
Lesson 4 of 6 within section Module 4 – Consequences of Poor Saddlefit. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
♦️ Bonus Lecture: Postural Soundness & Hoof Angles 
Lesson 5 of 6 within section Module 4 – Consequences of Poor Saddlefit. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Consequences of poor saddlefit Quiz
Lesson 6 of 6 within section Module 4 – Consequences of Poor Saddlefit. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution

A History of Saddle Making
Lesson 1 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Saddle Industry Today
Lesson 2 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Seeing the System for What It Is
Lesson 3 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
♦️ Bonus: Technology & Saddle Fit
Lesson 4 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Common Saddle Fitting Myths and Misconceptions
Lesson 5 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Clothespin Fit
Lesson 6 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Hyperextension Fit
Lesson 7 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Fake Adjustable Fit
Lesson 8 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Bridge Fit
Lesson 9 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Modern Sport Fit
Lesson 10 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Treeless Fit
Lesson 11 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Specialty Fit
Lesson 12 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Tree Lift Fit
Lesson 13 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Path Forward
Lesson 14 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Saddle Industry Quiz
Lesson 15 of 15 within section Module 5 – Saddle Industry Evolution. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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Module 6 – Equine Anatomy and Biomechanics Foundations

Equine Anatomy Foundations
Lesson 1 of 4 within section Module 6 – Equine Anatomy and Biomechanics Foundations. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Overview of the Horse’s Body Systems
Lesson 2 of 4 within section Module 6 – Equine Anatomy and Biomechanics Foundations. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Equine Biomechanics & Gait Analysis
Lesson 3 of 4 within section Module 6 – Equine Anatomy and Biomechanics Foundations. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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♦️ Bonus: Transition Vertebrae and Kissing Spine
Lesson 4 of 4 within section Module 6 – Equine Anatomy and Biomechanics Foundations. You must enroll in this course to access course content.

Module 7 – Equine Muscoskeletal Structure

Physical Development & Skeletal Maturity
Lesson 1 of 6 within section Module 7 – Equine Muscoskeletal Structure. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Musculoskeletal System & Saddle Fit 
Lesson 2 of 6 within section Module 7 – Equine Muscoskeletal Structure. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Muscular Adaptation for Life
Lesson 3 of 6 within section Module 7 – Equine Muscoskeletal Structure. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Equine Asymmetry 
Lesson 4 of 6 within section Module 7 – Equine Muscoskeletal Structure. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
♦️ Bonus: Assymmetry in Horses- Dr Catalina Thiersen DVM
Lesson 5 of 6 within section Module 7 – Equine Muscoskeletal Structure. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Postural Compensation
Lesson 6 of 6 within section Module 7 – Equine Muscoskeletal Structure. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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⭐⭐ PHASE 2 — Applied Equine Ergonomics & Practical Application

Welcome – Applied Equine Ergonomics
Lesson 1 of 1 within section ⭐⭐ PHASE 2 — Applied Equine Ergonomics & Practical Application. You must enroll in this course to access course content.

Module 8 – Introduction to Saddle Fitting

The 5 Lines and the Saddle Support Area (SSA)
Lesson 1 of 3 within section Module 8 – Introduction to Saddle Fitting. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The 14 Reflex Points
Lesson 2 of 3 within section Module 8 – Introduction to Saddle Fitting. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Client Education
Lesson 3 of 3 within section Module 8 – Introduction to Saddle Fitting. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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Module 9 – Analyzing the Horse

Analyzing the horse 
Lesson 1 of 3 within section Module 9 – Analyzing the Horse. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Body Condition (BCS)
Lesson 2 of 3 within section Module 9 – Analyzing the Horse. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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♦️ Bonus: Fitting the uneven shoulder – understanding Orthopedic fit
Lesson 3 of 3 within section Module 9 – Analyzing the Horse. You must enroll in this course to access course content.

Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle

Introduction to Saddle Types and Components
Lesson 1 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Western Saddle
Lesson 2 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The English Saddle
Lesson 3 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Tree Types
Lesson 4 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Pommel Types
Lesson 5 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Panels 
Lesson 6 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Gullet Channel
Lesson 7 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Billets, Rigging & Latigos
Lesson 8 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Girths and Cinches
Lesson 9 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Measuring the Saddle
Lesson 10 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
♦️Bonus: The Disconnect Between Design and Function 
Lesson 11 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Saddle Pads & Specialty Pads
Lesson 12 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Has Quiz
♦️ Bonus: Saddle Pads & Schimming
Lesson 13 of 13 within section Module 10 – Inspecting the Saddle. You must enroll in this course to access course content.

Module 11 – Saddle fit to Rider

Human Anatomy as Relevant to Saddle Fit
Lesson 1 of 9 within section Module 11 – Saddle fit to Rider. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Rider in the Saddle 
Lesson 2 of 9 within section Module 11 – Saddle fit to Rider. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
♦️ Bonus – Rider Pain
Lesson 3 of 9 within section Module 11 – Saddle fit to Rider. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Measuring the Rider
Lesson 4 of 9 within section Module 11 – Saddle fit to Rider. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Saddle fit to Rider – Jumper
Lesson 5 of 9 within section Module 11 – Saddle fit to Rider. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Saddle Fit to Rider – Eventing
Lesson 6 of 9 within section Module 11 – Saddle fit to Rider. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Saddle Fit to Rider – Dressage
Lesson 7 of 9 within section Module 11 – Saddle fit to Rider. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Saddle fit to Rider – Western (Anatomically Male)
Lesson 8 of 9 within section Module 11 – Saddle fit to Rider. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Saddle fit to Rider – Western (Anatomically Female)
Lesson 9 of 9 within section Module 11 – Saddle fit to Rider. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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Module 12 – Saddle fit to Horse

The Static Assessment
Lesson 1 of 4 within section Module 12 – Saddle fit to Horse. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Evaluating Saddle Fit to the Horse 
Lesson 2 of 4 within section Module 12 – Saddle fit to Horse. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The 5 Point Drawing 
Lesson 3 of 4 within section Module 12 – Saddle fit to Horse. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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♦️ Bonus: Understanding Orthopedic Fit 
Lesson 4 of 4 within section Module 12 – Saddle fit to Horse. You must enroll in this course to access course content.

Module 13 – The Dynamic Analysis

The Dynamic Assessment
Lesson 1 of 2 within section Module 13 – The Dynamic Analysis. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Analyzing Sweat- and Dust Patterns 
Lesson 2 of 2 within section Module 13 – The Dynamic Analysis. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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Module 14 – Measuring the horse

The 80 Point Saddlefit Evaluation sheet
Lesson 1 of 4 within section Module 14 – Measuring the horse. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Your Toolkit
Lesson 2 of 4 within section Module 14 – Measuring the horse. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Measuring the Horse
Lesson 3 of 4 within section Module 14 – Measuring the horse. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Measuring T&L
Lesson 4 of 4 within section Module 14 – Measuring the horse. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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Module 15 – Making Recommendations

Connecting the dots after the 80-point saddle fit evaluation has been completed
Lesson 1 of 2 within section Module 15 – Making Recommendations. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
The Moral Compass of a Certified Equine Ergonomist
Lesson 2 of 2 within section Module 15 – Making Recommendations. You must enroll in this course to access course content.

⭐⭐⭐ PHASE 3 — Certification Practicum

This section does not have any lessons.

Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification

Glossary of Terms and Instructions
Lesson 1 of 11 within section Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
Full Saddle fit Evaluation example
Lesson 2 of 11 within section Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
✏️ Train your eye Quiz 1
Lesson 3 of 11 within section Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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✏️ Train your eye Quiz 2
Lesson 4 of 11 within section Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
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#1 – Real World Case Study Exploration with Jochen Schleese
Lesson 5 of 11 within section Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
#2 – Real World Case Study Exploration with Jochen Schleese
Lesson 6 of 11 within section Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
#3 – Real World Case Study Exploration with Jochen Schleese
Lesson 7 of 11 within section Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
#4 – Real World Case Study Exploration with Jochen Schleese
Lesson 8 of 11 within section Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
#5 – Real World Case Study Exploration with Jochen Schleese
Lesson 9 of 11 within section Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
#6 – Real World Case Study Exploration with Jochen Schleese
Lesson 10 of 11 within section Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification. You must enroll in this course to access course content.
New Steps
Lesson 11 of 11 within section Module 16 – Equine Ergonomist Certification. You must enroll in this course to access course content.

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