Many times I’ve gone out to evaluate and work on horses only to find that an ill-fitting saddle is the main culprit. The benefits of the bodywork may only last a short time due to the fact the saddle is continuing to create pressure points and strain on the body. Combining the services of the massage and saddle fitting creates an opportunity to correct the imbalances and bring harmony to your partnership.
I have been fortunate to apprentice with one of the best saddle fitters in the nation, George Gullikson. We made many trips to England to work with Patrick saddlery and Baines saddlery. He taught me that saddle fitting is an art. You have to take more than just the static frame fit into consideration, you have to evaluate the rider's confirmation and riding style, the horse's confirmation, movement, temperament, symmetry and discipline level, there is so much more than just the '9-10 points of saddle fitting'.
I not only work with any saddle to get the best fit for the horse, but take the time to watch you ride and have a working interaction, taking your feedback into consideration until both horse and rider and comfortable.
I believe that because horses are tremendous athletes, you have to re-evaluate your saddle fit more than once a year. Think about being in training yourself, working out at the gym, your body changes within just a few weeks, the same goes for your horse. You need to have your saddle checked a few times a year to make sure pressure points are not being created which will inhibit your horse's performance and attitude.
Does your saddle fit you? These questions can be answered as well, if you are getting side aches, back aches and fight for position constantly, it most likely is your saddle fit. Being behind the motion, falling to one side, falling onto the pommel, all these issues and more can be addressed in one visit.
I have been fortunate to apprentice with one of the best saddle fitters in the nation, George Gullikson. We made many trips to England to work with Patrick saddlery and Baines saddlery. He taught me that saddle fitting is an art. You have to take more than just the static frame fit into consideration, you have to evaluate the rider's confirmation and riding style, the horse's confirmation, movement, temperament, symmetry and discipline level, there is so much more than just the '9-10 points of saddle fitting'.
I not only work with any saddle to get the best fit for the horse, but take the time to watch you ride and have a working interaction, taking your feedback into consideration until both horse and rider and comfortable.
I believe that because horses are tremendous athletes, you have to re-evaluate your saddle fit more than once a year. Think about being in training yourself, working out at the gym, your body changes within just a few weeks, the same goes for your horse. You need to have your saddle checked a few times a year to make sure pressure points are not being created which will inhibit your horse's performance and attitude.
Does your saddle fit you? These questions can be answered as well, if you are getting side aches, back aches and fight for position constantly, it most likely is your saddle fit. Being behind the motion, falling to one side, falling onto the pommel, all these issues and more can be addressed in one visit.