Equine Fitters Council and Directory
Currently there is no statutory requirement that a person fitting a saddle, bit, bridle, or harness meets standards of training, conduct, or professional development.
To align equine fitting with similar professions and elevate the profile of practitioners, the Equine Fitters Council now serves as the governing body, offering voluntary regulation for this complex and expanding field.
Led by both the Saddlers’ Company and Loriners Company, The Equine Fitters Council(EFC) and Directory(EFD) have been born from several years of deliberation involving a range of stakeholders from equine fitting, equine welfare, education and equestrian trade bodies.
Vision
The independent authority for equine fitters: Setting standards, promoting education and encouraging professional practice within the industry.
The EFC is independent and operates in a not-for-profit basis. The Council has approved the policy and administrative structure of the EFD, and sets minimum standards for training and education, determines eligibility criteria for listing in the Directory, and controls admission and removal of practitioners.
To find out more about this online searchable directory of fitters who seek listing and meet eligibility criteria, and how to become a listed fitter, please visit the EFD website
https://www.equinefittersdirectory.org/
https://www.equinefittersdirectory.org/fitter-application/
=> Watch this video to learn more about the EFD – The Equine Fitters Directory: Find a Trusted Equine Fitter
William Fox-Pitt and Natasha Baker lend their support for Directory listing professional fitters
At a star-studded launch event at Saddlers’ Hall the online Equine Fitters Directory was formally launched to riders and horse owners in February 2025. The evening also celebrated the achievements of many Equine Fitters who successfully completed their vocational qualification.
Presenting to Fitters and upgraded Saddlers alongside William Fox-Pitt MBE were training providers; Catherine Baker for the Society of Master Saddlers, Dr. Gerry van Oossanen for MSFC, Lisa Fay for International Academy of Saddle Fitting (IASF) and Geraldine Vandevenne for IF3E.
The evening welcomed Equine Fitters and Saddlers from around the world, alongside respected members of the equestrian press, including Horse & Hound and Horse & Country TV, as well as leading equestrian insurance companies.
The event was captured expertly captured by Sizzle Productions. => Watch here – Celebration of Equine Fitters 2025
Media Coverage
Horse and Hound – William Fox-Pitt says ‘It must be the right thing’ about ‘game-changing’ directory of tack fitters
Hartpury University – Equine Fitters Directory launched, following input from Hartpury University research
Your Horse – Independent searchable directory of equine tack fitters launched
Horse & Country TV – Hear from Fox-Pitt Eventing about the Equine Fitters Directory
William Fox-Pitt Eventing – William Fox-Pitt at Saddlers’ Hall
ETN – Tack fitters directory is free for consumers to access
Saddlers’ Company would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the Equine Fitters and Saddlers for their dedication, hard work, and outstanding achievements.
‘We know that regularly checked and well fitted tack both improve the welfare of our horses and their overall performance. I can reflect on numerous times in my career when even small alterations to match the ever-changing size and shape of my horse has made a fundamental difference. Having a ‘one stop’ online directory that lists professional fitters that all riders and horse owners can trust must be the right thing’
William Fox Pitt MBE, most successful three day Event rider of all time
‘I think the Equine Fitters Directory is such an incredible idea. Whether you’re a professional rider or occasionally have a riding lesson making sure our saddles, bridles and bits fit is so important for all our horses. The Directory will ensure that we all know that our fitter is qualified and externally assured.
Nathasha Baker OBE, 6 times Gold Paralympic Dressage winner
Equine Fitters Directory – Listed Equine Fitter Kitemark
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