We would like to thank Dawn Anderson of Anderson Equine Saddle Fitting Services for conducting a terrific clinic this weekend at SAFE. A group of about 16 attended the lecture and demonstrations and were given the hands-on opportunity to examine the innards of different saddles and see and feel how different saddles fit onto different horses. We were joined in the afternoon by SAFE horses Annie, Dexter and Deeds whose vastly different body types were used to demonstrate both good and bad aspects of saddle fit. Dawn then did a complete saddle fitting session on SAFE horse Charmeon. She and her assistant Jean showed us how she measures the horse to create precise paper templates of the horse’s back, then went on to study Char’s movement on the lunge both bareback and with each saddle she tried. Then SAFE president Jaime Taft hopped on so that Dawn could assess the fit of the saddle with a rider.

Clinic participants had this to say:

“I never knew that there was so much involved in saddle fitting. On the one hand, it made me want to rush home and beg my horse’s forgiveness for every ache and pain he’s had to endure, but at the same time, I am SO excited to realize what an enormous difference a properly fitted saddle can make — not only to my horse’s comfort and soundness, but to my own stability and confidence as a rider.”

“I would recommend this clinic to anyone who sets a saddle onto a horse’s back. Dawn Anderson is truly an advocate for the horse who makes it very clear that there is no one brand of saddle that can accommodate the needs of every horse. That is why she is not a saddle rep — she is a saddle fitter. The level of training she received from the [Society of Master Saddlers in England] ought to be required of anyone selling or reflocking saddles in this country.”

“Just wanted to let you know how impressed [we] were with Dawn’s seminar. She and her sidekick were always riveting, funny, and informative.”

“This was a great clinic. Thanks for putting it on. Really helpful.”

We highly recommend that you consider an appointment with Dawn to have your current saddle evaluated or reflocked. And by all means, if you’re in the market for a new or used saddle, let Dawn help you find the right one. You won’t be sorry. Click here to visit Anderson Equine Saddle Fitting Services’ website.

Dawn has generously offered to conduct more saddle fitting clinics to benefit SAFE, so if you missed out on this one, there will be another chance for you to attend in the near future.

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