Committed to Excellence Through Continuous Learning

Policy Statement

The Fitted Horse is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional expertise in equine equipment fitting. This commitment requires ongoing learning, development, and staying current with evolving industry knowledge, research, and best practices.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is not just an aspiration—it is a fundamental requirement of how we operate.

This policy outlines our commitment to professional development, the minimum CPD requirements we maintain, and how we ensure our knowledge and skills remain current and relevant to best serve horses and their owners.

Why CPD Matters

Commitment to Excellence

The equestrian industry constantly evolves:

• New research emerges on equine anatomy, biomechanics, and welfare
• Equipment design and technology advances
• Manufacturing techniques and materials improve
• Welfare standards and expectations increase
• Scientific understanding of horse behavior and communication deepens

To provide the best service, we must evolve with the industry.

Benefits of CPD

For Horses: 

✅ Access to most current, evidence-based fitting practices
✅ Better outcomes from informed, knowledgeable assessments
✅ Welfare-focused approaches based on latest research
✅ Safer, more appropriate equipment recommendations

For Clients: 

✅ Confidence in professional expertise
✅ Access to current industry knowledge
✅ Informed advice based on latest developments
✅ Better value through improved service quality

For The Fitted Horse: 

✅ Maintaining competitive professional edge
✅ Building credibility and reputation
✅ Personal satisfaction and professional growth
✅ Meeting professional body requirements (where applicable)
✅ Staying passionate and engaged with the work

CPD Requirements

Minimum Annual CPD Hours

The Fitted Horse commits to a minimum of 40 hours of CPD per year.

This exceeds industry standards for equine professionals and demonstrates serious commitment to ongoing development.

CPD Year: January 1st - December 31st

Breakdown:

• Minimum 40 hours total per year
• At least 20 hours must be structured/formal CPD
• Up to 20 hours can be informal/self-directed CPD
• Additional hours beyond minimum are encouraged

Types of CPD

CPD is categorized as either Structured/Formal or Informal/Self-Directed:

Structured/Formal CPD (Minimum 20 hours/year):

• Formal courses and workshops
• Manufacturer training and certification programs
• Industry conferences and seminars
• Accredited online courses with assessment
• Professional association events and training
• Veterinary, dental, or other professional collaboration sessions
• External lectures and presentations
• Mentorship programs (as mentee)

Informal/Self-Directed CPD (Maximum 20 hours/year):

• Reading industry journals and research papers
• Attending webinars and online presentations
• Self-study of technical materials
• Observation and learning at events
• Peer discussion and knowledge sharing
• Listening to industry podcasts
• Reviewing manufacturer information and updates
• Social media professional development (industry experts, research summaries)

Balance is Important:

While self-directed learning is valuable, formal structured CPD ensures:

• Verified knowledge from credible sources
• Interaction with other professionals
• Assessment of understanding
• Certification and documentation
• Depth of learning beyond surface level

CPD Activities and Examples

Bit and Bridle Fitting Specific

Structured CPD:

• Bit fitting courses and certifications
• Bridle fitting workshops
• Manufacturer training (Fager, Bombers, WOW, Myler, etc.)
• Specialized fitting technique seminars
• Assessor or advanced qualification courses
• Hands-on practical training sessions

Informal CPD:

• Reading fitting technique articles
• Manufacturer product information and updates
• Case study reviews
• Peer discussions on complex cases
• Observing experienced fitters (with permission)

Equine Anatomy and Biomechanics

Structured CPD:

• Equine anatomy courses
• Biomechanics workshops
• Veterinary lectures on relevant topics
• Physiotherapy and bodywork understanding courses
• Movement and gait analysis training

Informal CPD:

• Anatomy textbook study
• Biomechanics research papers
• Veterinary webinars
• Online anatomy resources

Equine Behaviour and Welfare

Structured CPD:

• Equine behaviour courses
• Welfare science seminars
• Pain recognition and assessment training
• Ethical practice workshops
• Stress and fear response understanding

Informal CPD:

• Welfare science journal articles
• Behaviour research papers
• Welfare organization resources
• Evidence-based training methodology information

Health and Safety

Structured CPD:

• First Aid at Work certification/renewal (every 3 years)
• Manual Handling training/updates
• Risk Assessment workshops
• Equine-specific health and safety courses

Informal CPD:

• HSE guidance updates
• Industry safety bulletins
• Incident learning reviews

Business and Professional Skills

Structured CPD:

• Customer service training
• Communication skills workshops
• Business management courses
• Data protection and GDPR updates
• Professional ethics seminars
• Marketing and social media for equine businesses

Informal CPD:

• Business podcasts and webinars
• Professional development books
• Industry networking events
• Peer mentorship discussions

Collaboration with Other Professionals

Structured CPD:

• Joint training with vets, dentists, saddle fitters
• Interdisciplinary case discussions
• Collaboration workshops
• Referral network meetings

Informal CPD:

• Conversations with veterinarians about cases
• Learning from physiotherapists and bodyworkers
• Understanding trainers' perspectives
• Building knowledge through professional relationships

CPD Planning and Recording

Annual CPD Plan

At the start of each CPD year (January), we create a CPD plan:

The plan includes:

• Learning objectives for the year
• Identified knowledge or skill gaps
• Specific courses or events to attend
• Budget allocation for CPD
• Time allocation throughout the year
• Balance of structured vs. informal learning

Example Objectives:

• "Deepen understanding of bit biomechanics for horses with low palates"
• "Improve knowledge of latest WOW saddle fitting techniques"
• "Better recognize subtle pain indicators in horses"
• "Enhance communication skills with nervous or anxious clients"

CPD Record Keeping

All CPD activities are recorded in a CPD log including:

For Each Activity:

• Date of activity
• Type of CPD (structured or informal)
• Activity description (course name, topic, provider)
• Hours spent (actual time, not inflated)
• Learning outcomes (what was learned/achieved)
• Application to practice (how it will/has improved service)
• Evidence (certificates, receipts, notes, photos)

CPD Log Format:

• Digital spreadsheet or dedicated CPD tracking system
• Backed up regularly
• Available for review if requested
• Updated promptly after each activity

Evidence and Documentation

Evidence maintained for all CPD:

Structured CPD:

• Certificates of completion
• Course materials and handouts
• Receipts for payment
• Attendance confirmations
• Assessment results where applicable
• Photos from events

Informal CPD:

• Notes from reading or research
• Webinar recordings or summaries
• Screenshots of online learning
• Personal reflections and insights
• Book titles and chapters studied

Retention Period: Minimum 3 years

Annual CPD Review

At the end of each CPD year (December), we conduct a review:

Review includes:

• Total CPD hours completed
• Balance of structured vs. informal
• Learning objectives achieved
• Gaps remaining for next year
• Impact on practice and service quality
• New areas of interest identified
• Budget spent vs. allocated
• Plan for following year

Review documented and filed with CPD records.

CPD Budget and Resources

Financial Investment

Annual CPD Budget: Minimum £500 per year

CPD is a business investment and essential operating cost, not an optional extra.

Budget covers:

• Course and seminar fees
• Membership fees for professional organizations
• Travel to CPD events
• Accommodation if required for multi-day events
• Books, journals, and resources
• Online course subscriptions
• Conference attendance

Budget reviewed annually and adjusted as needed.

Time Investment

CPD requires time commitment beyond the 20 hours of actual learning:

Time allocated for:

• Attending courses and events
• Travel to/from CPD activities
• Pre-course preparation and reading
• Post-course review and implementation
• CPD planning and record keeping
• Research and self-study

CPD time is scheduled into business calendar as priority activity.

Resources and Memberships

Professional memberships maintained

Resources accessed:

• Industry journals and publications
• Online learning platforms
• Manufacturer technical resources
• Research databases
• Professional libraries
• Networking opportunities

Key CPD Providers and Sources

Industry Organisations and Associations

• Society of Master Saddlers (SMS)
• British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)
• Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS)
• International Society for Equitation Science (ISES)
• British Horse Society (BHS)

Manufacturer Training

• WOW Saddles (First Thought Equine) - Saddle fitting updates
• Fager Bits - Bit design and fitting courses
• Bombers Bits - Product training
• Myler Bits - Fitting certification
• Premier Equine - Product knowledge
• Acavallo - Technical training
• Other equipment manufacturers as relevant

Equine Welfare and Veterinary

• World Horse Welfare - Welfare courses
• British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) - Veterinary updates
• Equine Dental Technicians Association - Understanding dental impacts
• International Society for Equitation Science - Research-based learning
• Universities offering equine science courses

Online Learning Platforms

• Equine learning websites and portals
• Webinar providers (Zoom, specialist equine platforms)
• YouTube educational channels (verified experts only)
• Online course providers (FutureLearn, Coursera for relevant subjects)
• Manufacturer webinars and virtual training

Events and Conferences

• BETA International (trade show and seminars)
• Your Horse Live and similar exhibitions (educational content)
• Equine science conferences
• Regional equestrian events with educational programs
• Specialist seminars and symposiums

CPD Priorities and Focus Areas

Core Competencies (Annual Review Required)

Must maintain current knowledge in:

• Bit and bridle fitting techniques and principles
• Equine mouth anatomy and conformation
• Current product ranges and innovations
• Welfare standards and pain recognition
• Safe working practices and risk assessment

At least 50% of annual CPD should relate to core competencies.

Expanding Knowledge

Areas for ongoing development:

• Advanced fitting techniques for complex cases
• Working with different breeds and disciplines
• Understanding rider biomechanics and influence
• Integration with saddle fitting knowledge
• Behavioural understanding and communication
• New technologies and materials in equipment

Emerging Topics

Staying ahead of industry developments:

• Latest welfare science research
• New equipment designs and philosophies
• Regulatory changes affecting equestrian industry
• Advances in veterinary understanding
• Changes in competition rules affecting equipment
• Sustainability in equestrian products

Applying CPD to Practice

Implementation

CPD is only valuable if applied to practice:

After each CPD activity, we identify:

• What will change in our practice as a result?
• How will this benefit horses and clients?
• What new techniques or knowledge will be incorporated?
• What outdated practices need to be updated?
• How will this be communicated to clients?

Implementation timeline set and monitored.

Sharing Knowledge

Knowledge gained through CPD is shared:

With Clients:

• Educational social media posts
• Client newsletters or updates
• Information during consultations
• Updated educational materials
• Blog posts or articles

With Industry:

• Participating in peer discussions
• Contributing to professional forums
• Sharing insights at networking events
• Mentoring others where appropriate

Knowledge shared benefits the wider equestrian community and reinforces our own learning.

Continuous Improvement

CPD drives continuous improvement:

• Regular review of practices against new knowledge
• Updating procedures and policies
• Enhancing service offerings
• Improving client communication
• Refining risk assessments
• Evolving welfare standards

Static practices = declining standards. We commit to constant evolution.

Accountability and Verification

Self-Accountability

We hold ourselves accountable through:

• Honest recording of CPD hours (no inflation or false claims)
• Quarterly check-ins on progress toward annual target
• Annual review of CPD completed vs. planned
• Reflection on quality and relevance of CPD undertaken

Professional Body Requirements

If member of professional organizations:

• Meet their specific CPD requirements
• Submit CPD records as required
• Maintain certifications and credentials
• Participate in mandatory training

Our minimum 40 hours typically exceeds basic requirements.

Client Transparency

Clients have right to know our professional development:

• CPD commitment stated in our policies (this document)
• Professional qualifications and certifications displayed
• Current CPD highlighted in marketing materials
• Recent learning mentioned during consultations where relevant

Example: "I recently attended a course on [topic], which has really enhanced how I approach [issue]."

Insurance and Compliance

CPD supports:

• Professional indemnity insurance requirements
• Public liability insurance credibility
• Compliance with industry standards
• Defence against complaints or claims
• Professional reputation protection

Insurers may request evidence of ongoing professional development.

CPD Challenges and Solutions

Common Challenges

Time Constraints:

• Running business leaves limited time for courses
• Travel to events time-consuming
• Balancing CPD with client commitments

Solutions:

• Schedule CPD into calendar as non-negotiable business activity
• Utilize online/virtual learning options
• Combine CPD with necessary travel (e.g., events already attending)
• Block out dedicated CPD days annually

Financial Constraints:

• Quality CPD can be expensive
• Budget pressures in business

Solutions:

• CPD is essential investment, not optional expense
• Mix of paid and free/low-cost CPD
• Prioritize highest-value learning
• Build CPD costs into business pricing structure

Overwhelming Options:

• Difficult to choose from numerous CPD opportunities
• Risk of spreading learning too thin

Solutions:

• Focus on annual learning objectives
• Quality over quantity
• Relevance to practice over interesting-but-not-applicable
• Structured annual plan prevents reactive decisions

Measuring Impact:

• Hard to quantify CPD value
• Difficult to prove ROI

Solutions:

• Focus on qualitative improvements (client feedback, case outcomes)
• Document specific practice changes resulting from CPD
• Track how new knowledge solves previously challenging cases
• Value CPD for long-term career sustainability, not just immediate ROI

Future CPD Goals

Short-Term Goals (1-2 Years)

• Achieve 45+ CPD hours per year (exceeding minimum)
• Complete advanced bit fitting certification (if available)
• Attend at least 2 major industry events/conferences annually
• Build relationship with veterinary/dental professionals for collaborative learning
• Develop specialist knowledge

Medium-Term Goals (3-5 Years)

• Potentially achieve instructor/assessor status to teach others
• Develop expertise in integrated tack fitting (bits, bridles, saddles)
• Contribute to industry knowledge through case studies or articles
• Mentor newer fitters entering the industry
• Stay at forefront of welfare science applications

Long-Term Vision

• Be recognized as leading expert in equine equipment fitting
• Contribute to advancing industry standards
• Participate in research or product development
• Share knowledge through teaching and mentorship
• Continuously evolve with industry while maintaining core welfare values

CPD and Business Values

Alignment with Core Values

CPD supports our core business values:

Horse Welfare First:

• Latest welfare science informs practice
• Pain recognition knowledge constantly updated
• Evidence-based approaches prioritized

Professional Excellence:

• Maintaining cutting-edge expertise
• Delivering highest quality service
• Building credible reputation

Honest, Ethical Practice:

• Transparent about knowledge and limitations
• Evidence-based recommendations, not sales-driven
• Admitting when new learning challenges previous positions

Client Education:

• Sharing knowledge gained through CPD
• Empowering clients with current information
• Building informed, engaged client base

Continuous Improvement:

• Never settling for "good enough"
• Evolving with industry
• Embracing change and new knowledge

Policy Review

Annual Policy Review

This CPD Policy is reviewed annually alongside:

• CPD year-end review
• Business planning for following year
• Budget setting
• Goal setting

Review includes:

• Are 20 hours still appropriate minimum?
• Is structured/informal balance correct?
• Are learning priorities aligned with business needs?
• Is budget adequate?
• Are recording systems effective?

Updates and Changes

Policy updated when:

• Professional body requirements change
• Industry standards evolve
• Business direction shifts
• New CPD opportunities emerge
• Feedback indicates needed changes

Changes documented with version control.

Commitment Statement

The Fitted Horse commits to:

✅ Minimum 20 hours CPD per year with at least 10 hours structured learning

✅ Honest, accurate recording of all CPD activities and hours

✅ Evidence-based practice informed by current research and knowledge

✅ Continuous improvement through ongoing learning and development

✅ Client benefit as the ultimate goal of all professional development

✅ Transparency about qualifications, expertise, and ongoing learning

✅ Professional accountability through documented CPD and annual review

✅ Knowledge sharing to benefit the wider equestrian community

Professional development is not a burden—it's a privilege and responsibility that we embrace enthusiastically.

This CPD Policy demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards through ongoing education, training, and development.

CPD isn't just about meeting requirements—it's about being the best we can be for the horses we serve.