Learning from the Experts: Spotlight on Kay Hastilow
One of the things I love most about saddle fitting is that you never stop learning. Horses change, research evolves, and every new horse and rider combination brings something different to the fitting process.
That’s why I want to spotlight a name I have huge respect for: Kay Hastilow.
Kay is a Master Saddler and Master Saddle Fitter with decades of experience. She has played a key role in shaping the saddle fitting profession as we know it today, including writing and updating the Society of Master Saddlers’ course notes since their introduction in 1995. Over the years, she has taught and influenced countless saddle fitters, vets, trainers, and riders around the world.
Even though she has now stepped back from much of the day-to-day work, her knowledge and resources continue to guide so many of us in the industry.
Why I Recommend Her Work
🎥 Saddle Fitting Know How – For Riders and Trainers
Kay created a series of short, practical videos aimed at both riders and trainers. They explain common issues in a clear, accessible way that anyone can follow. It’s a fantastic starting point if you want to understand more about how your saddle affects your horse.
👉 Watch the series on Facebook
🎬 Kay Hastilow on YouTube
Kay’s YouTube channel is another brilliant resource, with videos covering everything from saddle trees to why dynamic assessments are so vital for fitters. The videos are short, to the point, and full of practical insights drawn from her 50+ years of experience.
👉 Explore her YouTube channel here
📰 Horse & Hound Feature – Rider Weight and Horse Welfare
In 2021, Kay contributed to an important article in Horse & Hound on the effects of rider weight on horse welfare. It’s a thoughtful and compassionate look at a sensitive subject, but one that highlights just how much responsibility we have as riders to keep our horses comfortable.
👉 Read the Horse & Hound article here
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t already explored Kay Hastilow’s resources, I highly recommend starting with the links above. Whether you’re a rider wanting to understand your horse’s saddle better, or a fellow fitter looking to deepen your knowledge, her work is an invaluable resource.
Her teaching reminds us that saddle fitting isn’t just about the saddle itself—it’s about the welfare of the horse, the balance of the rider, and the subtle details that make all the difference.
As a saddle fitter continuing my own journey of training and learning, I’m grateful for the path Kay helped shape, and I’ll continue to share resources like hers that put horse welfare first.