Rapt. Consultancy

26/03/2026

Saddle Fitting Insights – March 2026 Edition is now available.

Being part of the Academy means access to genuinely valuable monthly content like this — practical, relevant and always worth a read.

26/03/2026

At Rapt, we work with businesses that are genuinely looking to move their industries forward.

Ergon is one of those.

Everything they do is grounded in research, testing and evidence — not assumption. It’s a refreshing approach in a space that often leans heavily on tradition.

A pleasure to be working alongside the team as they continue to challenge and raise standards.

Belle’s just double-checking that David’s work is accurate… quality control at its finest 👀🐴

Today, Dr David Marlin and the team are at ARU Writtle enjoying a day of research and investigations, with Belle clearly keeping a close eye on proceedings!

Thanks to Charlotte for letting us share this one of her lovely horse, Belle 💙

Ergon Equine Ltd

14/03/2026

What a brilliant International Academy of Saddle FittersIASF CPD Day we had last week at the Walsall Leather Museum!

It was fantastic to see so many saddle fitters and industry professionals in the room sharing knowledge, experiences and ideas. The discussions were lively, the questions were thoughtful and there was a real sense of collaboration throughout the day.

Events like this remind us how important continuing education is in our industry. The more we learn about horses, riders and saddle design, the better we can support horse welfare and rider performance.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and contributed to such a great atmosphere.

And of course thanks to the Leather Museum for hosting us in such a special place for the saddlery world.

We’re already planning the next one!
British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)Albion Saddlemakers Co. LtdBLISS OF LONDON - Saddle makers of distinctionWintec SaddlesErreplus Lisa Fay

09/03/2026

We’re really excited about the first IASF CPD Day coming up next week.

One of the things we are most proud of at the International Academy of Saddle Fitters (IASF) is the strength of our global network.

Our aim has always been to create a supportive professional community for saddle fitters around the world. Whether you are fully qualified or currently in training, you can join the IASF Global Network and become part of a group committed to improving standards across the industry.

Membership isn’t just about a certificate. It’s about ongoing support, mentoring and guidance from people who care deeply about doing the job properly.

Through the Academy we provide:

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) days
• Access to experienced mentors
• A global community of professional saddle fitters
• Ongoing learning and knowledge sharing

Saddle fitting is a profession where we never stop learning. Horses evolve, research evolves, and the industry evolves with it.

Our mission at IASF is simple:
to improve saddle fitting standards and horse welfare across the globe.

If you are a qualified saddle fitter or currently training, we would love to welcome you into the network.


Albion Saddlemakers Co. Ltd
BLISS OF LONDON - Saddle makers of distinction
Erreplus
Wintec Saddles
Bates Saddles
BETA International

27/02/2026

Don’t forget to secure your place.

We’re looking forward to supporting the upcoming CPD Day hosted by the International Academy of Saddle Fitters at the Walsall Leather Museum on Wednesday 11th March.

It’s set to be a genuinely insightful and practical day focused on solving real saddle fitting challenges, not just theory, but applied thinking you can take straight back into your work.

Professional standards don’t rise by accident. They rise when people invest in their development.

Up to 50% off for IASF Global Network Members.

Places will fill, so don’t leave it too late.

Ticket link:
https://www.iasf-members.com/.../solving-saddle-fit..

British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)

YOU'RE INVITED - Solving Saddle Fit Through Design - Evaluating Manufacturer Options for Complex Equine Cases
Wed 11 Mar 2026 | Walsall, UK

BOOKING LINK: https://www.iasf-members.com/event-details/solving-saddle-fit-through-design-evaluating-manufacturer-options-for-complex-equine-cases

UP TO 50% DISCOUNT FOR ALL IASF MEMBERS

Time & Location
11 Mar 2026, 09:00 – 17:00

Walsall, Walsall, UK

About the event
IASF SPECIAL!! IN-PERSON CPD DAY

Join us for what promises to be an interesting and educational day for student and qualified saddle fitters where we will review a complex case study and investigate potential solutions through saddle design.

We will review photos, videos and templates of a horse along with their clinical history and rider requirements.

Once the brief has been discussed we will visit Albion Saddle Makers, Bliss of London and spend time with Erreplus Saddles and Saddlery Brands International (Bates, Arena and Wintec) to delve into the specific design options offered by these brands to solve saddle fitting issues and provide solutions to our clients.

Gain real-world experience and advance your knowledge and understanding of saddle capabilities and solutions - an essential skill for todays saddle fitter.

Date: Wednesday 11th March 2026

Type: In-Person

Venue - Walsall, UK (location TBC)

Time: 9am - 5pm

Lunch: Not Provided

Dress Code: Casual

As a special introductory offer this CPD day is open to all with an exclusive discount for IASF members.

Joining instructions will be sent prior to the event.

BOOK YOU RPLACE HERE: https://www.iasf-members.com/event-details/solving-saddle-fit-through-design-evaluating-manufacturer-options-for-complex-equine-cases

Albion Saddlemakers Co. Ltd
BLISS OF LONDON - Saddle makers of distinction
Wintec Saddles
Bates Saddles
Arena Saddles
Erreplus

27/02/2026

It’s your time to be heard.

We are excited about the upcoming IASF Saddle Fitters Round Table, where we will be tackling one of the big questions shaping the future of our profession.

Which topic would you most like to debate?

Comment 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 below and make sure you get your vote in.

Rider Weight & Saddle Fit: Welfare, Fairness, or Taboo?
Where does responsibility lie and should saddle fitters even be part of this conversation?

“Staying in Your Lane”: Where Does Saddle Fitting End?
Should saddle fitters comment on lameness, biomechanics or pain or strictly refer and step back?

Compromise in Saddle Fit: Necessary Reality or Slippery Slope?
When is “good enough” acceptable and when does compromise cross an ethical line?

The Horse vs the Rider: Who Comes First When Needs Conflict?
If you can’t fit both perfectly, how do you decide and who decides?

Should Saddle Fitters Ever Refuse to Fit a Saddle?
If so, under what circumstances and what responsibility follows that decision?

This is a professional forum. Respectful. Evidence-led. Open.

Your voice shapes the direction of our industry.

📢It's your time to be heard. Which topic would you be most interested in debating at our next Saddle Fitters Round Table event?

Comment 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 below

🐴1. Rider Weight & Saddle Fit: Welfare, Fairness, or Taboo?

Where does responsibility lie—and should saddle fitters even be part of this conversation?

🚗2. “Staying in Your Lane”: Where Does Saddle Fitting End?

Should saddle fitters comment on lameness, biomechanics or pain—or strictly refer and step back?

🏔️3. Compromise in Saddle Fit: Necessary Reality or Slippery Slope?

When is “good enough” acceptable and when does compromise cross an ethical line?

🐎4. The Horse vs the Rider: Who Comes First When Needs Conflict?

If you can’t fit both perfectly, how do you decide—and who decides?

🫸5. Should Saddle Fitters Ever Refuse to Fit a Saddle?

If so, under what circumstances—and what responsibility follows that decision?

08/11/2025

A brilliant evening at the UK Property Forums Berkshire Property Awards! ✨

Huge congratulations to David Anderson and the Anderson & Prescott team for winning Architect of the Year — so well deserved. RAPT has had the pleasure of working with them, and they truly are a great business with an incredible architect at the helm — designing properties that are both aspirational and beautifully creative.

Thank you to Greg Searle MBE for such an inspiring speech, and to Matthew Battle and the UK Property Forums team for hosting such a fun and memorable evening. 👏

05/11/2025

Anticipation is in the air for The Dressage Masters.
Aster Events will be announcing the entry opening date very soon via their e-newsletter — sign up via the ‘Contact’ page to be the first to know 👇
https://www.asterevents.co.uk/contact

Everyone wants to know when entries will open for The Dressage Masters!

We don't want to keep you in suspense for much longer and will be announcing the date via our e-newsletter soon.

To subscribe head to our website 'contact' page to be the very first to know!
👇🐴
https://www.asterevents.co.uk/contact

31/10/2025

We’ve Officially Launched!

RAPT is proud to support the launch of the IASF Global Network — a brand-new online community built to connect, support, and empower saddlery fitters around the world.

Whether you’re an established professional or just starting out, the IASF platform offers everything you need to grow your skills and your business — from mentorship and advanced troubleshooting to business advice, live case studies, and priority access to specialist CPD events.

🔗 Explore the site: www.iasf-members.com

💡 Join the community: www.iasf-members.com/join

We've Officially Launched - Welcome to your new Saddlery Fitting Community!!

Explore the site here: http://www.iasf-members.com

The IASF Global Network has been developed to provide the global saddlery fitting community with long term support, advice and all the tools you need to be the best in the equine fitting business.

As an IASF member you can benefit from:

- A globally recognised community
- Dedicated groups to discuss saddlery fitting issues and solve everyday or complex problems
- Advanced troubleshooting sessions with our private mentorship
- Business advice and support to streamline your profession and maximise your earnings
- Learning opportunities with real-life case studies
- Simplified scientific research
-Discounted and priority access to IASF events

And there is more to come!
- Specialist CPD events and activities covering everything from the basics of saddlery fitting to the most advanced fitting related learning opportunities in the world.
- The IASF Annual Conference - an essential for every equine fitter!
- Webinar series covering a range of equine fitting related topics
- And much more in the pipeline!!

Choose your membership package at: http://www.iasf-members.com/join

28/10/2025

RAPT Consultancy is delighted to be working with Equine Earz Ltd, a pioneering company at the intersection of science, sound, and animal welfare.
Led by Founder & CEO Neil Hormann, Equine Earz is creating the world’s first multisensory platform for equine and animal wellness, combining acoustic intelligence, biometric sensing, and AI-driven insight.
RAPT’s founder, Cath Pagnillo-Gordon, joins the project as Senior Consultant , supporting the leadership team as they move from research and prototype to commercial rollout.
This is a research-led, evidence-based innovation in a space that has yet to be truly explored — and one we’re proud to help bring to life.

22/10/2025

Such a great event — and it’s only a week away!
The BETA Bits, Bridles & Saddlery Conference brings together the best in the business to talk welfare, design and performance.
If you’re in the industry, don’t miss it 👇
🔗 [bit.ly/4jdxI0u]

ONE WEEK TO GO! ⏰ Don't miss the BETA Bits, Bridles & Saddlery Conference 2025!
Join us October 28th-29th at the Holywell Conference Centre, Loughborough University, for two days focused on tack and equine welfare.
Online tickets are also available.

Hear from stars like Richard Davison, Dr. Hilary Clayton, and Gillian Higgins (Horses Inside Out). CPD points are available (BHS, SMS, BD).

Need a discount? We offer a range of discounts for BETA, SMS, BHS, BD members, students, and more!
➡️ Contact the BETA office directly for discount details before booking.

Thank you to our sponsors:
The Worshipful Company of Loriners
Saddlers Company & Saddlers Hall
Neue Schule Ltd
BLISS OF LONDON - Saddle makers of distinction
The Society of Master Saddlers
Zebra Products a distributor of Sprenger
SMART Saddles

🔗 Book now: www.bit.ly/4jdxI0u 🔗 Full Programme: www.beta-uk.org/conferences/
Photo credit: The Society of Master Saddlers

BETAConference