An ill-fitting saddle can do more than just make your horse uncomfortable. It can also cause lameness, chronic pain and bad behavior. We see a lot of unwanted, discarded horses at SAFE, and we can’t help but wonder how many horses are labeled unrideable or even chronically lame just because they were ridden in a saddle that didn’t fit.
Please join SAFE and Anderson Equine Saddle Fitting Services for a saddle fitting clinic on May 21–22 at the SAFE Farm in Monroe. This clinic will include a day of lectures and demonstrations, and a day of hands-on fitting for you and your horse. Whether you attend both days of the clinic or just one, you will gain a wealth of information about saddle fitting and how it relates to equine biomechanics and lameness issues. The clinic will be conducted by Dawn Anderson of Anderson Equine Saddle Fitting Services. Dawn learned saddle fitting from the Society of Master Saddlers in England, and has been trained on both onsite and bench flocking by Master Saddler Ian Hastilow, member of the prestigious Worshipful Company of Saddlers. Her insights into the relationship between chronic lameness and saddle fit will astound you, and you will leave this clinic with a better understanding of the biomechanics of your equine partner and how to maintain his soundness and comfort.
Here are the details of the clinic:
DAY ONE:
Saturday, May 21
Lecture 10am to Noon and Demonstrations 1pm to 3pm
includes a one-hour lunch break
Cost: $25 per person in advance ($30 at the door)
Due to the recent EHV outbreak, we are cancelling the second day of the clinic, in order to avoid having horses transported to or from the SAFE farm. We apologize for the inconvenience.
DAY TWO (by appointment only):
Saddle Fitting Sessions (includes initial assessment, templates, examination of one saddle for one horse — English saddles only)
Appointments available between 9am and 5pm (limited number, FCFS)
Cost: $50 per session**
** This price does not include flocking adjustments or reflocking. Costs for these services will be discussed during the Fitting Session and will be payable directly to Anderson Equine.
For more information about Anderson Equine Saddle Fitting Services, please visit Dawn’s website at http://www.andersonequine.com
For information about scheduling your saddle fitting appointment as part of this clinic, please send email to bonnie@safehorses.org
HAVE YOU ADOPTED A SAFE HORSE? If so, you are invited to attend the lecture for FREE! If you would like to sign up for a saddle fitting session on Sunday, your cost will be $35. Please send email to bonnie@safehorses.org for details.
