Saddlefit 4 Life

What Saddlefit 4 Life does

Saddlefit 4 Life (operating as Saddlefit 4 Life Academy) is a private Ontario, Canada-based online education company founded by master saddler Jochen Schleese, focused on evidence-based equine saddle-fit certification. Its core technology is the proprietary 80-Point Saddle Fit Evaluation System and the 14 Reflex Points System, developed over 40+ years in collaboration with equine veterinarians, the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Germany, and human physicians, and codified through online curriculum, written exams, and 30 graded real-world evaluations per student.

The company sells a tiered product portfolio. Professional certifications include the Certified Equine Ergonomist (CEE) at $3,997 (or $399/month), the Certified Saddle Ergonomist (CSE), and the in-person Master Saddle Fitting (MSF4) intensive. A dedicated Equine Ergonomics course for Veterinarians (CDN$1,997) is accredited for CPD/CE credits through OVMA (Canada) and ATF (Germany). Lower-priced rider education includes Level 1 'Unlocking Saddle Fit' at $27, Level 2 'Saddle Fitting Essentials', a $49.99 Virtual Saddle Fit Evaluation, a $199 re-certification, an ebook ($24.95), live events ($499), and 1-on-1 sessions with certified ergonomists ($197). Distribution is direct-to-consumer through saddlefit4lifeacademy.com, supplemented by an affiliate program paying 10% commission. Since 2010, the company has certified over 10,000 professionals (with 4,500+ current students/graduates cited) across 35+ countries, and has analyzed 300,000+ horses under its methodology.

The business operates with 1–10 employees, no external funding, and no acquisitions or leadership changes recorded in source materials. Revenue is not publicly disclosed. The customer base is highly fragmented across individual equine professionals, veterinarians, riders, and horse owners; institutional relationships take the form of accreditation and continuing-education partnerships with organizations such as the OVMA, ATF, University of Guelph, United States Dressage Federation, Ontario Equestrian Federation, American Riding Instructors Association, and Certified Horsemanship Association, rather than enterprise contracts.

Name

Saddlefit 4 Life

Legal name

Saddlefit 4 Life Inc.

Website

https://saddlefit4lifeacademy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Saddlefit 4 Life is a private Canadian online education company that trains and certifies equine professionals, veterinarians, and riders in evidence-based saddle fit evaluation, using proprietary 80-point and 14-reflex-point methodologies developed by founder Jochen Schleese.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Equine Education and Certification

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Equine Care & Stable Management (EDAOAOAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sports Medicine, Lameness & Performance (Equine) (HLAMABAJ), Sport/Show Horse Training & Performance Programs (AFAEAGAF)

Keywords

• Equine education
• Saddle fit certification
• Equine ergonomics training
• Horse anatomy courses
• Online equine certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Holland Landing

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Professional Certification Programs: Revenue from tiered certification courses including Certified Equine Ergonomist (CEE) and Certified Saddle Ergonomist (CSE). CEE priced at $3,997 one-time or $399/month. Includes curriculum, coaching, toolkit, and certification.
2. Continuing Education for Veterinarians: Dedicated equine ergonomics course for veterinarians approved for CPD/CE credits. Priced at $1,997 single payment or $199/month.
3. Rider Education Courses: Self-paced courses for horse owners and riders. Level 1 'Unlocking Saddle Fit' at $27, Level 2 'Saddle Fitting Essentials' available.
4. Virtual Saddle Fit Evaluation: $49.99 virtual evaluation service for owners not local to certified professionals, providing basic saddle fitting assessment via photos.
5. Re-Certification: $199 re-certification service for professionals maintaining their credentials.
6. Publications and Content: Sale of educational books and resources including 'Suffering in Silence' ebook at $24.95.
7. Affiliate Program: 10% commission on recommended course sales through affiliate referrals. Provides discount code to referred customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Saddlefit 4 Life Academy sells self-paced online courses and certifications that train equine professionals and riders in saddle fitting and equine ergonomics, using its proprietary 80-Point Saddle Fit Evaluation System and 14 Reflex Points methodology. Offerings range from introductory short courses (Level 1, Level 2) to professional credentials such as Certified Equine Ergonomist (CEE), Certified Saddle Ergonomist (CSE), and Master Saddle Fitting (MSF4), plus toolkits, virtual evaluations, and re-certification.

Product overview

Saddlefit 4 Life Academy is an education platform offering a multi-tiered certification portfolio focused on equine saddle fit evaluation and fitting. The core offerings include the Certified Equine Ergonomist (CEE) Course for professional saddle-fit evaluation certification and the Certified Saddle Ergonomist (CSE) Course for advanced fitting services, both built on 40+ years of research. Additional professional programs include the Master Saddle Fitting (MSF4) for in-person intensive training and the Equine Ergonomics For Veterinarians course approved for CPD credits. Consumer offerings consist of Level 1 Unlocking Saddle Fit ($27) and Level 2 Saddle Fitting Essentials courses for riders. The platform also offers supplementary products including Virtual Saddle Fit Evaluations ($49.99), Re-Certification ($199), the Suffering in Silence Ebook ($24.95), live events, 1-on-1 sessions with Certified Saddle Ergonomists ($197), and the CEE Toolkit shipped to enrolled students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Certified Equine Ergonomist (CEE) Certification Course Signature multi-level online certification course that trains equine professionals in the proprietary 80-Point Saddle Fit Evaluation System and 14 Reflex Points methodology, awarding the CEE credential and a directory listing on the Saddlefit 4 Life Network upon completion.
• Certified Saddle Ergonomist (CSE) Certification Course Online certification course awarding the Certified Saddle Ergonomist (CSE) credential for equine professionals seeking a recognized saddle-fitting qualification.
• Master Saddle Fitting (MSF4) Course Advanced online course in saddle fitting for experienced practitioners within the Saddlefit 4 Life credentialing pathway.
• Equine Ergonomics For Veterinarians Course Dedicated online course covering equine ergonomics tailored for veterinarians, recognized by veterinary universities as continuing-education credit.
• Level 1 - Unlocking Saddle Fit Short Course Beginner-level self-paced short course for riders and horse owners teaching fundamental saddle-fit concepts and self-assessment techniques.
• Level 2 - Saddle Fitting Essentials Short Course Intermediate self-paced online course for riders and horse owners building on Level 1 to cover saddle fitting essentials.
• Virtual Saddle Fit Evaluation Remote, one-on-one evaluation service delivered by a Saddlefit 4 Life expert to assess a horse-and-rider's saddle fit virtually.
• 1-on-1 Session With A Certified Saddle Ergonomist Live one-on-one coaching or consultation session with a certified Saddle Ergonomist for individual riders or equine professionals.
• Re-Certification Program Re-certification training program enabling existing CEE/CSE/MSF4 credential holders to renew and refresh their qualification.
• CEE Toolkit Physical toolkit of instruments and materials that supports the 80-Point Saddle Fit Evaluation methodology for CEE students and graduates.
• 'Suffering in Silence' Book Ebook by Jochen Schleese used as a content funnel introducing readers to the Saddlefit 4 Life methodology and certification programs.
• Partners In Soundness 2-Day In-Person Event Two-day in-person workshop for equine professionals delivering hands-on training in the Saddlefit 4 Life methodology.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80%+ of saddles restrict movement (taught in curriculum)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025OVMA approved for 40 CPD credits for Equine Ergonomist course and 110 additional credits for full CEE training. Validates professional credentials.
• ATF (Akademie fur Tierarzte, Germany)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025ATF accreditation for 13 credits upon completion, allowing German veterinarians to earn continuing education credits.
• Partner SaddleriescoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2008Since 2008, partnered with saddleries adhering to strict S4L methods. Saddles undergo rigorous field testing and bear the Saddlefit 4 Life mark of excellence. Also offers saddle-certification testing service to saddleries worldwide.
• German National Riding School (Warendorf)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Saddlefit 4 Life has been taught since 2006 in conjunction with the German National Riding School, providing standardized saddle fitting education integrated with professional riding instructor certification.
• School of Osteopathic Medicine (Germany)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Medical collaboration to ensure evidence-based approach to saddle fitting with focus on equine and human anatomy and biomechanics.
• Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Cooperation with OEF for professional development and certification standards in equestrian industry.
• United States Dressage FederationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006University accreditation partnership providing professional development credits for dressage professionals.
• The University of GuelphmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006University partnership for academic accreditation of saddle fitting education in Canada.
• German BerufsreiterverbandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Professional instructors certification courses integrating saddle fitting education with professional riding instructor standards.
• American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Integration of saddle fitting education with riding instructor certification standards in North America.
• Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Professional certification standards collaboration for safety and competency in horse handling and riding instruction.
• Equine Sciences AcademymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Academic partnership for equine science education integration with saddle fitting certification.
• Veterinary Conferences in BrazilminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006International education outreach through veterinary conferences in Brazil.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Society of Master Saddlers: UK-based organization providing the most established saddle fitting qualification globally (Qualified Saddle Fitter). Most direct comparable to S4L's CEE/CSE certifications, with similar focus on professional credentialing for saddle fitters across English-speaking markets.
• Equinology Inc. Offers certified equine bodyworker and massage therapy courses online with externship components. Closely comparable business model: professional certification in equine specialties, distance learning, and global student base.
• American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA): Existing S4L partner; provides riding instructor certification. Comparable as an equine professional credentialing body with tiered certification and continuing education requirements.
• Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA): Existing S4L partner; certifies riding instructors and equine facility managers. Comparable as a credentialing organization serving the same professional customer base with overlapping curriculum integration.
• United States Dressage Federation (USDF): Existing S4L partner providing university-style accreditation for dressage professionals. Comparable in providing continuing education and certification for equestrian professionals, with shared target audience of dressage riders and trainers.
• Equine Sciences Academy: Existing S4L partner offering equine science education. Comparable as an academic-style equine certification provider with similar distance-learning delivery and professional accreditation focus.
• University of Guelph - Equine Studies: Existing S4L partner providing academic accreditation. Comparable as a formal equine education provider with university credentials, representing the academic alternative to S4L's proprietary certification pathway.

Emerging players

• Horse Side Vet Guide: Subscription-based equine veterinary and health education platform for horse owners. Adjacent competitor offering educational content to overlapping customer base of equestrians seeking professional-grade knowledge.

Broad incumbents

• Clinton Anderson Downunder Horsemanship: Large-scale equine education platform with online courses, clinics, and televised content. Comparable as a mass-market equestrian education business with global reach, though focused on horsemanship rather than saddle fitting.

Regional players

• Cavalia: Canadian-based equine-focused entertainment and education brand. Comparable as a Canada-domiciled equine industry company with educational components, though operating primarily in live entertainment rather than professional certification.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/saddlefit4life

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Saddlefit 4 Life