Saddle Fitter Courses -- Saddle Fit 4 Life (Schleese) vs. Hastilow?

[fizzyfuzzybuzzy]

I’m considering taking some Saddle Fitter courses – I’m a vet tech, and see how much saddle fit can effect soundness and behavior for both horse and rider! The two I’ve seen that are not necessarily strictly affiliated with a certain brand (although Saddle Fit 4 Life has pretty strong ties to Schleese) that seem comprehensive and worth the $$$ are SF4L and the new one Hastilow has begun. Has anyone been to either? Pros and Cons of each?

Thanks!

[demidq]

How long are the courses, what type of training and hands on experience do they offer? Are they strictly about their own brands or are they fairly objective?
Went to a saddle fitting demo recently by someone who had attended a 10 day course put on by a reputable German brand. Let’s just say that I was…less than impressed. Superficial knowledge and a fair amount of misinformation presented. I am reminded of the Mark Twain saying, to paraphase- ‘it’s not so much what you don’t know as what you know that ain’t so that causes the problems’. If it is something you want to pursue, why not do something with a well established, independent saddler? That way you avoid brand bias.

[no.stirrups]

Put Mike Scott’s class on your list. No brand affiliation and comprehensive.

[coloredhorse]

Ditto the recommendation for Mike Scott. Roughly a 6-ish month course, I believe. The Schleese program is a good, comprehensive program that turns out qualified fitters. I have never heard of hte other mentioned.

[fizzyfuzzybuzzy]

Thanks for the input guys! I did put Mike Scott on the list as well, I like that he is a massage guy too, so understands how the musculature works, not just straight A&P. Now how do I choose? The Hastilow one is affiliated with the U.K. based Master Saddler Association, which is appealing. Plus it’s held in the Northeast which is more convenient than Mike’s school. They all have a 1 or 2 day introduction type course that isn’t too expensive, maybe I’ll take all three then choose the more intensive course of the one I feel fits best?

[TequilaMockingbird]

My equine massage therapist just took her course in the Northeast. Her plan is to do additional training in the UK. She really liked it. They worked on a variety of saddle brands from several different countries. I couldn’t say how it compares to the one by Mike Scott.