The Eloquent Equine | No. 12 - Everyday Equestrian's Survival Guide

The

Eloquent Equine Issue No. 12

FINDING THE

PERFECT FIT TRAINERS, TACK, & MORE

STRATEGIZING

SUCCESS

WITH TB MAKEOVER WINNER

DO

LINDSEY PARTRIDGE

N

’T

S! MIS

BA S I C HEALTH TIPS

Everyd

Surviv ay Equ

estrian

’s

al

Guide!

PLUS EXPERT TIPS ON SURVIVING SHOW SEASON, AND PURCHASING YOUR FIRST HORSE

CONTENTS SPOTLIGHT 04 Your First Horse: From Prep

to Purchase

Make that next big step easier

with these must remember tips.

08 Strategizing for Success

Thoroughbred Makeover winner

Lindsey Partridge provides her

tips for effectively strategizing success

THE ESSENTIALS 14 Finding the Perfect Fit

Setting yourself up for success in the search for a new barn, trainer, or coach.

16 Getting the Facts: The

Necessities for a Healthy Horse

The health basics all equestrians should be familiar with.

20 Show Season Survival Guide

How to be prepared for the circuit, and stay focused and confident.

24 The (Mis)communication

Survival Guide

Tips for effective communication with your equine health care team

26 The Top 10

Quick tips and tricks to keep you in

the know about common horse vrelated subjects spanning from

saddle fit to deworming.

Editor’s Desk Summer is finally here! The sun is shining, the barometer is rising, and the days are getting longer. This is also the season of long summer hacks, the opportunity to finally give your horse a much needed bath (if you aren’t lucky enough to have a heated indoor wash stall), and the annual summer show season is starting to really ramp up.

With so much on the go this can be a bit of a stressful time for riders and horse owners, especially if you are new to the industry. In this issue we’ve compiled a ton of knowledge gathered over years spent working with horses, and picked the brains of industry experts, all to provide you with a wealth of information to survive many equestrian firsts – from showing to buying your own horse.

Reading through the articles you’ll find several common themes that run throughout all our tips, and that’s because planning, preparedness, and practice are all essential steps for survival in this industry – and that’s what this issue is all about.

We’ve also got another great new featuring from Lindsey Partridge, the winner of the 2015 Retired Racehorse Project’s $100,000 Thoroughbred Makeover and owner of Partridge Horse Hill, who shares some tips for how she strategizes for success. Lindsey was also featured in our last issue were she talked about her win in Kentucky, and about the sport of Extreme Cowboy racing. We’re excited to have her back again in this issue, and hope you find some useful tips for strategizing your own success.

We had a ton of fun compiling this issue for you, and hope you enjoy all the information we’ve packed into the next 30+ pages. These are tips and tricks from horse people for horse people, and we hope they help you expand your knowledge and further your equestrian journey.

Editor In Chief Krista Rivet

External Contributors Lindsey Partridge

General Inquiries info@theeloquentequine.com

Submissions theeloquentequine@gmail.com

Advertising Inquiries advertising@theeloquentequine.com

Subscriptions Available through Issuu

From all of us here at The Eloquent Equine, we hope you get to kick back in the summer sun and enjoy the ride.

Happy reading!

On the Cover:

The Eloquent Equine is a quarterly publication, producing four full issues a year.

Lindsey Partridge, 2015 Thoroughbred Makeover winner and owner of Partridge Horse Hill with several of her thoroughbreds.

Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Photo by Wendy Webb

The Eloquent Equine • 3

YOUR

FIRST HORSE

FROM PREP TO PURCHASE

Make that next big step easier with these must remember tips

W

hen it comes to buying your first horse it’s essential you’re prepared for all the costs and responsibilities that come with ownership. There’s a lot to consider before, during, and after the purchase process, and it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not prepared. But if you put in a bit of leg work, and are thorough in your search, your dream horse can become a reality.

Here are our top tips to keep in mind when considering, and undertaking, the purchase of your first horse: 1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK – BUDGET AND LOGISTICS RESEARCH The first step before buying is deciding what type of horse you want to buy. Start by considering your goals, and then doing some research into what breeds of horse you are interested in or may excel in your chosen discipline. Other factors you may want to consider are age and education (training) level, temperament (often associated with breed – warm, cold, or hot?), and what type of horse will best meet your needs.

When trying to decide what type of horse you want and where to buy from, consider talking to friends in the industry, or your coach, trainer, and/or barn manager. Unfortunately there are dishonest sellers out there who are just looking for a quick buck, and you’ll be better able to avoid these individuals by gaining information and recommendations from professionals you know in the industry.

Spotlight • Buying your first horse

When starting to consider sale ads, it pays to know some of the slang or code words used within advertisements that can be used to describe a horse, and may serve as an attempt to mask some unwanted temperament traits. As general practice, keep an eye out for some of these terms: • Spirited, lots of go, needs a strong and/or quiet rider – code for this horse has a lot of energy and can be strong – if you’re looking for a quiet experienced horse, keep looking • Requires a firm rider, can be challenging and/ or stubborn – this horse is a challenge and a bit of a pain, and may not be the most well trained or has developed some rather unpleasant habits • In training for …, a great prospect for …, tons of potential, will mature to …, well started – this is a horse that likely has not had a lot of training, and may still be rather young.

• Fit for light riding, serviceably sound, past injuries – this horse has or had injury or lameness issues in the past. If you are looking for a performance horse for showing, this won’t be the horse for you, but if you are looking for a light riding mount or companion horse, consider speaking with your veterinarian and getting more information from the seller, as this horse may still be a suitable prospect.

• Proven, bombproof, quiet, or steady – these are often positive terms you want to see if you are looking for a well-trained and more experienced horse as a first time horse owner.

Though it pays to keep in mind that many sellers exaggerate – so this is a good starting point, but is something you may need to take with a small measure of disbelief until you see the horse in person.

BUDGET As you’ve surely heard from other horse owners you know, horses are a significant investment. Beyond the initial purchase price there are several other costs you need to consider when building out your budget.

You’ll need to factor in the sale cost of the horse and associated vet and travel costs (e.g. for trailering to your new barn, pre-purchase exams, or any travel expenses you will incur traveling to farms to view sale horses), as well as equipment costs (e.g. tack,

grooming supplies, blankets, etc.), boarding fees, feed costs (if not included in board), health care costs (vet and farrier), and emergency costs.

CARE LOGISTICS Once you get beyond the costs for caring for your future horse, you also need to consider the actual logistics of where your horse will stay, potential companions, which vet and farrier to use, and potential transport requirements (e.g. will you pay ship your horse from the seller and to future shows, or do you need to purchase a truck and/or a trailer?)

2. CONSIDER A LEASE Buying a horse is a big step – and while you may feel ready, it’s hard to know if you’ve never been there before. Consider investing in a full or partial lease of a horse for 6 to 12 months. As a lease allows you to pay a portion of the expenses in exchange for riding time, it can be a good insight into the overall care and amount of work that goes into owning a horse – without all of the risks.

With a partial lease you assume a portion of the fee while the owner maintains primary responsibility for the care and cost of the horse, where as a full lease puts all the responsibility on you and you take over the full cost of expenses and overall care of the horse. Leases can be offered on property at the owner’s farm (or where the horse is currently boarded), or off-property which allows you to take the horse to a barn of your choice.

3. PLAN YOUR VISITS

The Eloquent Equine • 5

When the time comes to actually get out in the field and start looking at horses, depending on your riding level and horse experience, it is beneficial to take an experienced professional along with you such as a more experienced horse owner from your barn or your trainer.

If you can’t schedule someone to accompany you, consider taking pictures of the horse and video (e.g. under saddle) while you are there so you can share them with your trainer back at the barn to get an educated opinion on whether the horse is suitable for your needs.

Don’t consider going out to look at horses until you are sure you are ready to buy, and take the time to only look at horse’s you think are serious prospects.

When planning a visit make an appointment with the seller and be on time, getting a horse ready to show a buyer is a lot of work so sellers appreciate when you are on time and have advance notice of your arrival and/or any cancellation.

Be prepared to take notes during your visit so that you can mark down your observations when viewing the horse and facility – with notes it will be easier to review each horse after the visit and help you decide which one is right for you.

4. IT’S ALL ABOUT INFORMATION

When looking at prospective horses to purchase there are two important things to keep in mind, the horse’s history and its overall attitude. When speaking with the seller, ask questions about why the owner is selling, how long the seller has been the owner of the horse, inquire about any paperwork associated with the horse (e.g. registration papers), and about the overall training and health history of the horse.

Additionally, when coming to a view a horse ask that the horse is not tacked up when you arrive. You want to see how the horse behaves throughout the entire process, from the ground to under saddle, and could miss out on some important behaviour and attitude information if the horse is tacked and ready to ride when you arrive.

5. THE PRE - PURCHASE EXAM The pre-purchase exam is an essential tool in your horse purchase process, and it pays to invest in one. This exam can have a significant influence on your purchase decision, as it will help determine if the horse you have your heart set on is the right fit for your future goals. When preparing for a prepurchase exam and reviewing the results, keep these tips in mind: • The exam should be customized to the intended use of the horse. For example, if

you’re buying a mare to compete as a jumper, your purchase exam should involve a range of test to assess overall soundness and any past injuries that may impact future performance • Clearly communicate with the examining vet what your goals are for the horse (short and long term), and ask the vet about the procedures they would recommend as part of the examination (and why).

• Take time to consider the results of the exam afterwards, and set aside time to privately discuss the results with your vet • Ask questions – if you require further information about the types of testing, or the results, ask your vet to provide further clarification. Being confused about results won’t help with your purchase decision.

Buying your first horse can be stressful and big first step in your equestrian journey, but with a bit of preparation and some thorough investigation you can make sure you first purchase is a successful one and you find that perfect partner that will help you achieve your riding goals and dreams.

6. INVEST IN TRAINING This is important both before you decide to purchase, and afterwards. If you are not already taking regularly lessons, investing in some can really pay off in the long run.

Lessons before purchase can help to refine and enhance your skill set to improve your ability to ride your new horse, and investing in some post purchase can help overcome any early hurdles in your relationship with your new horse.

An experienced trainer or coach can help you solidify your relationship with your new mount, and provide advice and assistance (in a safe and friendly environment) for any issues that may arise.

7. GET IT ALL IN WRITING Once you have finally picked out that perfect horse, completed your purchase exams, and negotiated price with the seller, it’s time to get it all in writing.

Make sure you enter into a purchase contract with the seller which clearly states (in writing) the terms of the sale, including specific details about the horse, its medical history, its cost, its training history, and any other information that the seller has made in regards to the horse you are purchasing.

This document will protect you should any issues arise with the purchase down the road.

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The Eloquent Equine • 7

STRATEGIZING FOR with TB Makeover Winner

LINDSEY PARTRIDGE

SUCCESS L

ife is full of competing priorities and it is easy to get overwhelmed, busy, or let tasks slip. When I registered into the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover competition I knew I had to have a plan for success.

The Thoroughbred makeover is a competition where you re-train an ex-race horse. You can start at the beginning of the year with the end goal to compete at Kentucky Horse Park in October. That can be 10 months of training and experiences, but it is easy to let the time slip by or be taken over by other priorities along the way.

I am no stranger to managing work load and time – I work full time as a Registered Nurse and run my equestrian facility, Partridge Horse Hill, as my second full time job coaching lessons, teaching clinics, boarding horses and hosting events. I also founded Harmony Horsemanship and the Natural Horsemanship Association, as well a co-founded Horsemanship Nation, and I took a month off to go down south to be filmed with my horses for the movie ‘Unbridled.’

My husband gets to see me while we commute to and from work, and I’m constantly pulled in many directions with family, friends, clients, horses or work needing my time – so how do I choose?

This is my survival plan of how I choose, put it all together, and come up with a strategy that puts me on the path of success, fun, and growth.

Spotlight • Strategizing for Success

1. Make Goals I have always had goals or desires in the back of my mind – the things that I would love to be able to do or accomplish. A lot of the time these goals would get pushed aside or sidetracked.

Something new I started in 2015 is that I made goals and actually wrote them down.

I continued this into 2016 and for this year my goals are to: 1. Compete at the Thoroughbred Makeover 2. Qualify for Regional Championships in Extreme Cowboy Racing 3. Finish my Parelli Level 4 Making goals that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely) gives me something concrete to work towards, but most importantly it gives me focus. I use this focus to help choose priorities and formulate a plan to succeed.

2.

Prioritize my Goals

After I decide on my goals, I put them in order – I try to recognize that if I can’t accomplish them all, or if they have conflicting commitments, where am I putting my time?

This year I’ve decided to put the Thoroughbred Makeover first. I chose the makeover because it requires you work with a recently retired racehorse that hasn’t had more than 15 retraining rides.

This means that if I don’t follow through and accomplish this goal, I can’t do it next year with the horses I’ve already started with.

Next I’ve decided to put qualifying for the Regional Championships in Extreme Cowboy Racing because every time I go to one of these competitions I get to challenge my skills, have fun, and discover a new task that I haven’t thought of before. Competing at these shows helps me be creative and motivated.

As a side perk, these shows also help prepare my Thoroughbreds for the makeover because they usually are at fairs – that noise, crowds, and hustle make for a great replica of the commotion felt a the makeover.

My third goal for this year is to finish my Parelli Level 4. I have achieved my level 4 in Freestyle and Finesse with my 2015 Thoroughbred Makeover Winner, Soar – and I would like to finish this goal by getting our online and liberty assessments.

I chose to put this third because realistically I don’t have as much time to play with Soar while I get my first two goals accomplished, and I recognize this is a really high level achievement that will

Lindsey Partridge has been coaching and training horses since 2002.

She is a Level 1 Centered Riding Coach, Level 4 graduate of Finesse/Freestyle in Parelli, Equine Canada Rider Level 8, Natural Horsemanship Association Platinum Level Coach/Trainer, and Certified Coach of Ontario.

Learn more about her at www. partridgehorsehill.com

The Eloquent Equine • 9

take physical, mental, and emotional fitness from my horse – something I can’t rush.

Prioritizing my goals helps me make decisions about how I will plan my season and what is important this year.

3.

Look for Opportunities to Learn

This is a really crucial step which is to look for people and places that will help my horses and I be successful. I pull out my calendar and start writing in pencil all the amazing things that are happening over the course of the year that interest me. I look at my favourite clinicians, topics, or facilities for what is happening.

This year I have signed up for Tom Shields of Chris Irwin techniques, Karen Rolph of Dressage Naturally, Parelli liberty workshops with Maureen Owens, Parelli workshops with Todd Owens, Centered Riding with Esther Johnston, Performance and Horsemanship with Tik Maynard, an Obstacle clinic at Horse Country Campground, Workshops with David Cowley and Two Way Trust, Lessons with Parelli Professional Don Halladay, and I am still looking at deciding on more learning opportunities.

Even though I teach clinics and am successful at shows – I know that there is always more to learn and I am addicted to learning. I love hearing information

in a new way, learning new exercises, seeing how instructors approach challenges or reward successes.

Most of all I love setting aside time to be with my horses to discover each other better.

The other great thing about learning opportunities is that clinics and workshops are a great way to get my new horses exposed to things off property. They also help give my horses and I the confidence to do well in competition.

Tip: look for clinicians or coaches that have a reputation for being supportive and positive teachers.

Good experiences will encourage you to learn more and boost both you and your horse’s confidence.

4.

Look for Competitions or Activities

The next step for me was to look at as many different types of shows and activities available to support my goals. For this year I think I will be competing in Freestyle and Trail at the makeover so I want experiences with obstacles and busy events that will have a similar feel to the makeover – I want my horses to feel very prepared. Just in case I end up competing in jumping I also looked as some of those dates.

5.

Make my Plan

After I know about the shows and events I am

interested in I look at it all together. I try to look for learning opportunities towards the beginning of the season and competitions towards the end of the season – that way I can focus on building confidence and learning in the beginning with progression to more competition.

I circle the events that are most important to succeed at my first goal, then second and then third.

I piece it all together and try to leave one weekend free each month with nothing booked. That way I can set aside time for family or anything last minute that comes up.

Sometimes I leave a weekend with an option A and B that I will decide later on in the season if I will be going to the jumping or obstacle show for example depending on what path I am taking with my horses.

I love having the shows and events mapped out ahead of time so that I have a plan and structure to follow – otherwise I am likely to miss something when I am caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all over the season.

6.

Commit to my Plan

Next I commit to my plan by registering for what I can and scheduling training time for my horses as if they were an appointment. I find if I try to just ride when I can or squeeze a session in it just doesn’t happen. I have to actually write an appointment for training and commit.

8.

Celebrate Success

I think I would burn out if I didn’t do this last step often. I take pictures and videos throughout my training which helps me celebrate how far I’ve progressed. I also celebrate a lot in the moment – lots of snuggles, scratches, and cookies for my horses when they are trying hard and learning new things. The goal is just a focus to a very fun journey with lots of mini goals and successes along the way.

At the end of the year I hope to look back and see I’ve been on track – amazingly for me last year I ended up the winner of the Thoroughbred Makeover with Soar, and my second horse Lion of Wallstreet ending up 2nd in the Trail Class too. I was also 3rd at the Regional Championships with Dreamer in the Pro Division for Extreme Cowboy Racing. It was an amazing year.

This year I’m off to a great start - if you would like to follow along my journey, please check out my YouTube Channel (Harmony Horsemanship) or visit www.HarmonyHorsemanship.ca I hope this article inspires you to have a goal, make a plan, and write down so you can have fun and be progressive WWW.

To help make sure I can stick to my plan, I try to be realistic – I only schedule my two Thoroughbreds twice on the weekdays, and then leave the weekends for whatever events I am attending. I know if I tried to schedule more than that it just wouldn’t happen; this way I stick to my plan because it can work. If I can add extra time training then great, but if not, at least I have stuck to my plan.

7.

Reflect

Even though I have a great plan, I still need to reflect what is working or what is not. Sometimes I need more practice in one area than I thought or I may think I am showing in one discipline but find out my horse is better suited to another. I have a plan and a structure, but it is open to reflection and change if I need it.

The Eloquent Equine • 11

FINDING THE

Perfect FIT SETTING YOUSELF UP FOR SUCCESS WHEN SEARCHING FOR A NEW BARN OR TRAINER

W

hether you’re an experienced equestrian looking for a coach that will help you reach your goals or a rider returning to the saddle after a long break, finding that perfect trainer, coach, or facility can be a real challenge.

So how do you survive the search and find that perfect fit? With a lot of preparation and a good measure of patience.

It’s not always love at first sight, and sometimes it takes a lot of leg work to find that perfect fit, but being prepared will make your search much more effective and will help make sure you find the place that not only suits your needs but will help you and/ or your horse grow and develop.

THE PRE-WORK

Before you go out searching for barns and interviewing trainers and/or coaches, spend some time at home preparing yourself.

• DEFINE YOUR GOALS – with clear goals for what you want in a facility, coach, or trainer, it will be much easier to make a clear decision on which will be the best fit. Clear goals will also help you communicate with the new farm manager or coach so that they can work to help ensure your goals are met. Clearly define your (and your horse’s) strengths and weakness, and areas where you would most like to improve.

• DO YOUR RESEARCH – the internet is a wonderful thing, and makes it very easy to search for facilities in your area and get reviews and information from individuals who may have used a facility or service.

The Essentials • Finding the Perfect Fit

• MAKE A LIST – once you’ve done your research and defined your goals, make a short list of individuals / facilities you would like to contact for more information and potentially visit.

THE LEG-WORK

Now you’ve got your list in hand and your goals in mind, it’s time to start reaching out for more information that will better help to inform your choice.

Before engaging in a phone conversation or heading out on a facility tour, take a few minutes to prepare some questions that you can ask to help narrow down your choices. These questions should address your goals, what you would like to get from a facility/coach and any concerns you may have.

Here are some ideas of questions you may ask:

WHEN LOOKING FOR A POTENTIAL BARN FOR YOUR HORSE 1. Fees and available services • What is the cost of board and what is included in the fee?

• What are the cost for additional services?

(E.g. blanketing, training, etc.)

• Can boarders bring in their own health care professionals (vets, farriers, etc.)?

2. Staff Experience • What is the experience and background of the barn manager?

• What is the background and experience of barn hands or other individuals who may be handling your horse?

• Do they have first aid / emergency experience?

3. Logistical Information • Are there set hours for the barn?

• What is the usage policy for the ring? (E.g. can boarders use it when lessons are in progress?)

4. General Facility information • How many rings are available? Are they indoor or outdoor?

• Are there trails on site or nearby? What are the options (if any) for hacking out?

• Is the structure and fencing in good condition?

• What are their health policies? Are there isolation areas, what happens when new horses arrive?

• What are the turnout options?

• What is the feed program and quality of available hay?

• What size stalls are available? What condition are they in and how often are they cleaned?

• What is the water situation in paddocks and stalls? (automatic or buckets, how often filled, how often cleaned) • Are there back-up generators and/or a plan in place if there is a power outage?

5. Training and Riding • Is there a coach / trainer on site? Are you able to bring in your own?

• What lesson options (if any) are available?

• Are there regular special events or activities organized by the farm?

WHEN SEARCHING FOR A POTENTIAL TRAINER OR COACH 1. Fees and available services • How much is a cost per lesson?

• Are there any packages available (e.g. multi-lesson pack, show packages, etc.)

• What are the lesson options (e.g. private, semi-private, and/or group)?

• Do they travel, or do you need to ship-in to their facility?

2. Training/Coaching Experience • What is their background and how long have they been training / coaching?

• Are they certified? And if so, to what level?

• Are they insured? (If applicable, is there facility properly insured?)

3. Experience of Lesson Horses (if you don’t have your own) • What horses does the coach have available for lessons?

• What level are they suitable for?

The Eloquent Equine • 13

4. Training Style • What is the primary discipline and level(s) that they teach? Do they have showing experience?

• What is their coaching style (e.g. do they provide plenty of verbal coaching, or they more hands off?)? Do they have a passion for training / coaching? How adaptable are they?

• Does the coach’s experience / training level match your goals (how far will the coach be able to take your riding skills)?

5. The client’s experience – references • What do other clients say about their training / coaching style?

• Would they recommend this individual to their friends?

• What has their experience been like? Has their riding progressed?

• Do they have any concerns?

6. Observation • Ask if you can observe a few lessons taught by the instructor to get a better sense of their teaching style and/or training methods Have a pen and paper handy to jot down a few notes during your conversation, as it will be easier to compare notes afterwards if you are speaking to several individuals or visiting multiple facilities during your search.

Also, don’t be afraid to share some personal information as well, the individual you are taking to may also have questions for you, about your goals, budget, training needs, and the qualities of your horse.

THE POST-WORK

Following your preparations and interviews (and/ or facility tours) set aside some time to yourself to review your notes and make your selection. Try to narrow your picks down to your top 2 or 3, and then review all of the offerings of your top picks.

What are your “must haves” and “nice to haves”, and which facility or individual meets most of your needs and goals? Look through your notes closely and consider each of your options, based on your

The Essentials • Finding the Perfect Fit

research, conversations, facility / lesson observation, and your gut feelings – what would be the best choice? Don’t feel rushed into a decision, taking time to properly assess each of your choices will improve your chances for finding the best option for you and your horse.

The search for that ideal facility or trainer/coach can be a challenging, and you won’t always find the one that meets all of your wants and needs, but spending time clearly defining your goals and conducting a thorough tour / interview will help narrow down your choices and help you find that perfect fit.

Revisiting Rolex 2016

LINDA TODD [PHOTOGRAPHER] Clockwise from top left: Marilyn Little (USA), Lisa Marie Fergusson (CAN), Ellen

Doughty-Hume (USA), Kyle Carter (CAN), Allison Springer

(USA), and Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (USA)

The Eloquent Equine • 15

GETTING THE FACTS:

the necessities for a healthy horse

HEALTH BASICS FOR ALL EQUESTRIAN

PART 1: VACCINATIONS One of the essential first steps in ensuring your horse remains healthy and happy throughout his life is to make sure he gets vaccinated. Your veterinarian should work closely with you to determine the overall budget for vaccines, the frequency of vaccination, and what vaccinations are essential to ensuring your horse remains in optimal health.

There are a variety of factors that go into defining what vaccines your horse requires, including: Your location (geographic area and environment) and the prevalence of certain illnesses (risk of exposure) The use, age, and condition of your horse Your veterinarian will be able to advise which vaccines will meet the individual needs of your horse, and how frequently vaccinations are required.

The majority of vaccines are given via injection (needle), so keep that in mind when planning your injection schedule as some horses can develop reactions to some vaccines resulting in soreness or stiffness at the injection site, meaning they may need some time off work to recover.

More recently, some intranasal vaccines have been developed for conditions such as influenza, but they are less common than the traditional injection approach.

The Essentials • Horse Health Basics

Common vaccinations for horses in North America include: • • • •

Tetanus Encephalomyelitis (WEE & EEE) Rabies West Nile Virus (WNV)

Less common but still important vaccinations include: • Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1 / EHV-4) • Influenza • Strangles While vaccines are never a 100% fail safe against the potential for disease and illness, they are a must have tool in your health care arsenal – regardless of the horse. In working closely with your vet you will be able to determine the best vaccine regime to suit your horse and area, to minimize the spread of potentially dangerous and deadly illnesses.

Once you’ve determined your vaccine schedule and what vaccines your horse requires, it’s important to take the time to become aware of your horse’s overall health so you can quickly identify when something goes wrong.

PART 2: BASIC VITALS AND ASSESSING A HEALTHY HORSE Are you aware of what is “normal” for your horse?

Could you spot if something was wrong? How often do you give your horse a full ears to tail inspection?

In driving school they often teach that you need to do a 360˚ inspection of your car before getting in and driving off, and your horse isn’t any different.

Minute changes in health can be a signal of bigger problems to come, but if you don’t pay attention to the daily condition of your horse – how will you know when things have changed?

It’s always beneficial to spend a few minutes before each ride taking a look over your horse and inventorying his condition, because the better you know your horse the easier it is to spot when

something is slightly off – or seriously wrong.

While scrapes and scabs can be easy to spot, many much more significant conditions start with subtle signs that can easily be missed if you’re not paying attention.

It’s beneficial to keep a record of your horse’s condition, as well as any veterinary work that gets completed, that way you can easily refer back or share with your barn owner or trainer if you are away or need assistance. Plus, having a record makes for easy reference when you’re concerned your horse may be unwell.

Not sure where to start when it comes to assessing your horse’s condition? Then check out the quick tips below:

TEMPERATURE

The normal temperature for a horse at rest is 37.5 – 38˚C (99.5 – 100.5˚F), anything higher than 40.5˚C is a serious issue.

A horse that has just completed exercise will have an elevated temperature, and can go as high as 39.6˚C, but shouldn’t exceed 40.5. Temperature should fall back to normal shortly after exercise stops, if it remains elevated for a prolonged period of time, you should get in contact with your vet.

RESPIRATION ( BREATHING RATE )

The normal respiration rate for a horse is 12 – 24 breaths per minute, though this rate may elevate following strenuous exercise, during hot and humid weather, or in a horse who is an excited state.

HEART RATE

The normal resting heart rate for a horse is 24 – 36 beats per minute (bpm). Heart rate will increase during exercise, but should drop steadily as soon as exercises ceases. If your horse’s heart rate remains elevated above 68 bpm after 30 minutes of exercise, this is a cause for concern.

Similarly, an elevated heart rate when your horse is at rest can be a sign of stress or discomfort (pain, trauma, illness, etc.)

The Eloquent Equine • 17

AT TITUDE AND MOVEMENT

Every horse is an individual, so you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the normal pattern of movement and behaviour for your horse. It’s important to note their attitude and movement each time you interact with them, a normally alert and friendly horse who suddenly seems disinterested and closed off could be signalling to you that something is wrong and he or she is not feeling well.

Any loss of appetite or thirst, decreased urination or defecation, or severe reluctance or difficulty moving should be noted and you should consult with your veterinarian to rule out potentially serious health conditions.

THE FACE

Your horse’s head can tell you a lot about their health, so pay close attention to the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth.

A horses eyes should always be free of swelling or fluid discharge, and should not look sunken in or “glassy”. The nostril should also be free of discharge, and not show signs of laboured breathing (e.g. the “flaring” you see in horses with heaves).

Also pay attention to the colour of your horse’s gum – looking at the gums above the teeth of your horse (lift the upper lip) can indicate areas of concern and the onset of potential illness. Your horse’s gums should be pink and moist, not pale and dry.

Discolouration of the gums is a serious cause for concern, so there should be no bluish colouration or lines of deep red along the top of the teeth.

If you press your finger into the gum line, the blood should return (upon removing your finger) almost immediately. A delay in blood returning to the area (capillary refill), of over 2-3 seconds can indicate potential illness or other problem.

The Essentials • Horse Health Basics

SKIN

Always take a quick look over the body, mane, and tail to assess for any abnormalities. Any flaking, peeling, oozing, hair loss, or signs of redness, irritation, or swelling should be noted.

To assess if you horse is properly hydrated, try a “skin pinch” test. Take a piece of skin from the shoulder and pinch and gently pull away. When you release the skin should snap back into place almost immediately, if it stays elevated for a prolonged period of time your horse may be dehydrated.

Find them at [theeloquentequine.com]

HORSE HEALTH

BASIC HEALTH & CARE TIPS Looking for a quick reference guide to health and water facts? Check out our handy HoofNotes Infographics!

SHOW SEASON

SURVIVAL GUIDE BE FOCUSED, CONFIDENT, & PREPARED FOR THE CIRCUIT

W

hether you are a seasoned professional or a young rider out for the first time, horse shows can be stressful. It takes a lot of planning, preparation, and practice for a show to run smoothly, and there will always be factors you simply cannot control.

With a few simple steps you can prepare yourself for the season ahead, to make sure you remain focused and confident, and ultimately survive your show season intact (and happy!).

Featured • Show Season Survival Guide

1. Have an honest conversation with your coach Having a conversation with your coach before the show season starts is a great opportunity to ask any burning questions or get guidance on how to overcome some of your fears. You can also talk about what your show goals are and get strategies for how to prepare for any upcoming shows. This conversation will also help your coach to better tailor their training to your goals, and help boost your confidence before you ever hit the show ring.

2. Be prepared Take your time to prepare everything you need for your show well before the show day. In the last minute rush of packing up before shipping out it is really easy to forget vital things you will need, which will make your show experience much more stressful.

Spending some time before the show to pack your essentials will make the overall event much smoother, and ensure you’re not forgetting anything.

If it helps, make a list of everything you need, and check it off as you pack.

If this is your first time showing and you are not sure what you should bring, ask your coach or a friend in the barn who has shown before what the essentials are – they should be able to offer suggestions for what you need, or can provide input on what you may have missed on your list.

Preparation is also important when it comes to selecting your show schedule. Spend some time seriously thinking about which shows you would

like to attend, and what is involved with each (travel time, show costs, level, etc.). It may be beneficial to involve your coach in the process, as they will be able to provide honest advice on which shows and/or classes will be best for you and your horse’s current level. Focus on picking classes that are at, or below, your current training level.

3. Stay positive Horse shows are a lot of things, and while they can be exciting and fun, they can also be challenging and scary depending on your experience and confidence level. Like everything, knowledge and experience are developed with time, so don’t expect your first show out to be an outstanding success.

Keeping a positive attitude throughout, even if things aren’t going too well, can make the overall experience much more constructive.

Shows can be about the ribbons for some, but they are also great learning and training experiences for horses and riders.

”

Having a conversation with your coach is a great opportunity to get guidance on how to overcome some of your fears.

The Eloquent Equine • 21

4. Ask questions Don’t be afraid to speak up. If you don’t understand how something is done, ask. This goes for everything from pre-show prep to notes from the judge after a class.

Asking questions is a way to get clarification on things you don’t understand, and can also be a great learning experience you can keep under your belt for the next time out.

5. Know the expectations Every show is different, every class is different, and every barn is different. Spend some time doing your research – be it reviewing the show manual or asking your coach or barn mates what you need to know for show day.

From basic show rules and etiquette to the time you need to be at the barn to load your horse in the morning (and/or if that is even required), is all information you should be aware of before show day so you can be on time and help where needed.

6. Practice, practice, practice The best way to overcome your nerves and make sure your horse is ready to enter the ring is to spend plenty of time at home preparing yourself. Once you know your show schedule, and what is required for each class, spend your lessons and training time preparing yourself and your horse for what will be required during competition.

7. Be adaptable (& remember

to breathe!)

Horse shows can be very unpredictable environments, and even if you have planned extensively and feel completely prepared – things can go slightly off

The Essentials • Show Season Survival Guide

schedule. Be prepared and ready to adjust your schedule or riding strategy in order to stay confident and on track.

8. Keep your eye on the prize (which doesn’t

have to be ribbons)

If you’re full of nerves before the show, or before entering the ring, try visualizing your end goal.

Keep the goal in the back of your mind as you ride your course or test. Keeping yourself focused on a specific goal or task will help calm your nerves, keep you confident, and keep your mind from stressing over things which you can’t control.

9. When all is said and done make sure you enjoy the ride You’ll never be able to control everything that happens at a show, so in the end it is simply important to enjoy the ride and remember that this is one show of many in your riding career – enjoy it and then move on to the next.

A HoofNotes Infographic We went back to the drawing board with this infographic and redesigned our original Horse Show Essentials Checklist, creating a much more detailed (but still super handy) checklist!

Or if your looking for something more basic to easily print and use - you can still check out our original Horse Show Essentials Checklist!

BONUS TIP>

HORSE SHOW ESSENTIALS Checklist (v.2.0)

The Eloquent Equine • 23

Avoiding

(MIS)COMMUNICATION

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITH YOUR VET & FARRIER

A

happy horse is a healthy horse – and in order to stay that way your horse needs regular care by trained equine professionals such as your vet and farrier. In order to be an effective advocate for your horse’s health, you need to be able to effectively communicate with these professionals so that you can understand the care they are providing, and provide clear information about your horse’s condition, your concerns, and your expectations.

A strong client-vet (or farrier) relationship starts with good communication. It’s the essential piece to being a good advocate for your horse’s health, and ensuring he gets the proper care from the individuals you’ve entrusted to maintain his well-being.

Keep these tips in mind when working with your vet, farrier, or any other member of your equine health care team:

1. KNOW YOUR GOALS To have a transparent and open relationship with your vet or farrier, you need to know your own goals, and how they work with your horse’s health care needs and your available budget. Have a focused conversation with your vet, it is an important first step to ensuring your horse’s health care priorities and needs are met.

Knowing your goals can help with that, as a horse that will be actively showing will have very different healthcare needs than a horse used once or twice a week for pleasure riding. If you know your goals and

The Essentials • Avoiding (Mis)communication

budget, you can work with your vet and/or farrier to ensure that your essential horse care needs are met, and that your health care plans addresses any health care concerns where and when necessary.

ensure their treatment plan works in complement and does not undermine previous treatment.

2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS

Life can be stressful, especially with horses – but don’t take it out on your vet or farrier. You’ll have a better relationship if you are friendly and outgoing, no matter how bad the day you just had is. Vets see a lot of clients in a day, and being a friendly one can make you stand out, and make the visit a lot less stressful for everyone involved.

If you don’t understand the information your vet is providing, or if they are not providing enough – let them know.

Most vets are happy to answer questions, or explain a procedure in greater detail, but if you don’t ask for more information (or clarification) they won’t know that you don’t understand

5. STAY POSITIVE

Plus, when you’re in a good mood, it’s easier to focus and relay clear information to your vet when required.

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO

3. SET CLEAR REQUIREMENTS This is more directly applicable if your vet does not always deal with you as an owner directly. If they are caring for your horse but you can’t be there, and instead a barn manager or owner, or your coach is acting on your behalf – make sure you have a discussion beforehand so that the individual understands what information and/or documentation they need to obtain from the vet during the visit.

COMMUNICATE! If you are able to communicate effectively with your vet, farrier, and other health care providers you’ll have a much stronger relationship going forward.

While it may not seem important, having a good relationship that is based on clear communication will help your vet treat your horse(s) more effectively, and ensure they have a health care plan that aligns with what is best for your horse(s), your goals, and your budget.

You want to make sure that they are able to share with you the procedures, costs, and any next steps required following vaccinations, treatment, etc.

4. HAVE A PLAN If you are working with multiple equine health care practitioners it pays to have a plan for how to keep the lines of communication open.

While in some cases the work that separate practitioners undertake on your horse may not overlap, when it does each one needs to know the work the other did in order to treat your horse effectively. If they are all working to treat the same case (e.g. a chronic condition), knowing the work another member of the team has completed will

The Eloquent Equine • 25

8 2 7 4 3 9 7 9 3 1 6 5 1 8 e th 2 4 7 5 5 2 3 2 4 3 9 6 6 1 86 3 7 8 21 5 1 4 9 3 7 8 7 9 5 6 2 4 1 4 8 9 5

TOP 10 STAY IN THE KNOW WITH THESE SIMPLE TIPS & TRICKS

The Essentials • The Top Ten

TOP 10 TIPS FOR GOOD PHOTOS

1. KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT

5. DON’T STOP

Take some time to become acquainted with the options, strengths, and weaknesses of your device.

Whether it is a DSLR or cell phone camera, knowing the options will make it easier for you to get great looking shots

Just keep shooting! Regardless of what happens, keep taking photos – you’ll get some of your most genuine and unique photos this way. Additionally, having more photos gives you more opportunities to find great ones, you may take 500 but only find 10 that you like so the more you have the better you chances at some great shots.

2. HAVE EXTRA HANDS AT THE READY Horses can have a mind of their own and don’t always cooperate when trying to shoot. To be able to focus on taking the photo, have at least 1 person on hand to assist with holding the horse. It can also be beneficial to have a second pair of hands to help grab the horses’ attention for that perfect shot.

3. ATTENTION TO DETAIL Busy backgrounds and dirty or ill-fitting tack will take away from your photo. Take time to pick a location that doesn’t have too much going on in the background, stick with something simple and consistent in colour. Also, spend some time ensuring that the tack and/or equipment you are using is clean and fits your horse properly.

4. THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE ON PROPORTION Without the right angle your shot can end up with improper proportion. To avoid this, you’ll typically need to play with your angles and often crouch down to get a level shot. For sales photos, always aim your lens around the girth / centre of the barrel to get a great confirmation shot. Get low and position yourself in relation to the horse (e.g. for sales photos).

6. CONSIDER POST-PRODUCTION A few minutes spent with a photo in post-production may take it from “good” to “great”. These days there are a range of free and paid products on the market to meet your post processing needs. Instagram is one of the most popular and simple photo editing software products out there, but you can also use products like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop as well.

7. LEAVE IT RAW Most DSLR camera’s these days allow you the option of switching between file types for your photos. If you are looking to just point and shoot, the default jpeg works fine, but if you want to take your photos to the next level – shoot in RAW. This format captures much more information about the photo you are taking, giving you greater control to modify photos with postproduction programs.

RAW is also much more forgiving that JPEG formats, and allows

you make simple edits in case your camera settings missed the mark, taking a not so great photo and making it salvageable.

8. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

OUR TIPS IN

#9

Good photos don’t just happen overnight – they take time and experience to develop. Spending time with your camera, shooting different subjects in different settings will help you learn what camera settings work, what you like to shoot the most, and will make you more adaptable when faced with any challenges during a shoot.

9. THE RULE OF LIGHT Light is one thing that can potentially ruin a perfect shot, and good lighting is a hard skill to master.

When it comes to shooting outside in daylight, avoid mid-day and stick for morning or evening hours.

ACTION >

Shooting around midday leaves this photo with harsh shadows that block out the details of the horse.

#10

When the sun is straight above you it’s not only at its most intense, but it’s pretty much unavoidable and can cause often harsh and unattractive shadows on your subject. Morning and evening light is more filtered and softer; similarly, shooting on overcast days will have the same light filtering effect.

This is timing hitting the mark as the horse is in “upward” motion with the legs lift up through the gait giving a sense of momentum in the shot.

You can also experiment with light by moving yourself and your subject around for traditional and non-traditionally lit photos.

10. TIMING IS EVERYTHING When it comes to shooting action shots (e.g. a horse under saddle), it is a matter of timing to get that perfect shot. When selecting the best action shots from your photos, look closely at the positioning of the legs – you want to select photos that depict “upward” movement, when the horse’s gait is suspended and looks light.

Essentially, this is usually when the horse is lifting up in a movement, it’s typically easier to see in trot and canter photos (walk photos are notoriously hard to photograph well).

The Essentials • The Top Ten

#3 The foliage in this photo creates a great simple background that doesn’t distract from the horse & rider who are the subjects of the photo.

TOP 10 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN DEWORMING YOUR HORSE

1. KNOW THE COMMON TYPES OF PARASITES There are a wide range of parasites that can infect your horse, they include: LARGE STRONGYLES – less popular now due to the rise of dewormer use, can cause extensive damage and colic when larvae migrate between the bowel and intestines.

SMALL STRONGYLES (CYATHOSTOMES ) – the most common form of worm, the larvae typically burrow into the wall of the intestine and become “encysted”. When this occurs they become dormant and can be resistant to dewormer treatment, only 2 types of dewormer is currently effective against this stage. Colic is common in heavily infected horses.

ROUNDWORMS (ASCARIDS ) – most commonly a problem in young horses, and the adult form can cause blockages in the intestines. Larvae migrate through the organs to the lungs where they are coughed up and then swallowed back into the stomach.

TAPEWORMS – can cause colic (mild to severe), and only one type of dewormer on the market is proven to be effective Other less common but still present parasites include Pinworms, Threadworms, and Bots.

2. KNOW THE COMMON DEWORMERS There are four types of dewormer currently on the market: • benzimidazoles (e.g. fenbendazole), • tetrahydropyrimidines (pyrantal salts), • macrocylic lactones (ivermectin, avermectin/ milbemycines),

• praziquantel (for tapeworms).

The first three are the most common used, and each has specific parasites that it is most effective against.

3. SIGNS OF A HORSE WITH HIGH PARASITE LEVELS Horses carrying a high level of parasites can actually appear normal and fairly healthy.

Common signs that may arise, especially in younger horses, can include: • • • • • •

Dull hair coat and loss of overall condition Lethargy and decreased stamina Depression Potbelly Colic Diarrhea

4. DEWORMER ADMINISTRATION METHODS Oral paste syringe is the most common and regular administration method for dewormers, but you can also purchase them as a food additive, or have a vet administer the medication via a stomach tube.

To be most effective, you’ll need to calculate the required dose for your horse based on his/her body weight.

5. STAY ON TOP OF RESEARCH Regular rotational deworming has been common practice for horses since the product first came on the market years ago. More recently, research has shown that this conception is not only ineffective, but has resulted in the development of resistance in certain parasites.

The Eloquent Equine • 29

In a herd there will always be a few horses that carry the highest infection rate for parasites, and these horses should be the focused target for deworming.

Large strongyles have largely been removed from most modern herds, with the focus turning primarily to small strongyles which are much more prevalent in the population.

9. CONSIDER COMPLETE MANAGEMENT

6. RESISTANT PARASITES EXIST

When building a parasite management plan, keep this in mind:

Recent research has revealed that most small strongyle populations are resistant to at least 1-2 types of dewormer (highest level of resistance is to benzimidazoles and pyrimidines), avermectin is currently the only dewormer with low levels of resistance (but it is developing).

Constant over deworming, can contribute to the creation of drug resistant bacteria.

7. CONSIDER FECAL EGG COUNTS To determine which dewormers would be most effective for treating the parasites currently in your horse, have your vet complete a fecal egg count test. This test will identify the type of parasites and the levels in each of your horses, allowing you to develop a targeted treatment plan that will seek to reduce the highest levels of parasites effectively.

After the initial test, your vet will conduct another 14 days later to assess the effectiveness of the treatment, which will also indicate the resistance levels for each parasite on your farm.

8. DISCUSS TREATMENT PLANS WITH YOUR VET While building an independent rotating deworming schedule has been the common practice for years, it’s time to sit down with your vet and discuss a more effective way to strategically control parasites on your farm. You want your horses to be healthy, but also don’t want to contribute to the growing resistance problem either.

The Essentials • The Top Ten

Parasite control doesn’t need to rely entirely on deworming medication, and is actually most effective when dewormers are used strategically as part of an overall farm management plan.

• Manure is the primary mode of transmission for parasites, so regularly remove manure from stalls and paddocks (alternatively, harrow paddocks regularly to break up manure and expose it to the elements, which will kill off some larvae.

• After harrowing do not pasture horses in that field for at least 24 hrs), store manure away from horse paddocks, and avoid spreading manure in paddocks where horses graze • Feed horses up off the ground using feeders or buckets

10. ADULTS VS. FOALS Foals are more susceptible to internal parasites compared to adult horses, so will need to be dewormed more frequently.

When at pasture, keep foals separated from yearlings and adults where possible in order to minimize their exposure to parasites

10 TIPS TO MAXIMIZE GOOD SADDLE FIT

1. PICK THE PERFECT TYPE There are a range of saddle types currently on the market, at varying price points and made of a variety of leather and synthetic materials.

Most commonly, when looking at the English disciplines, you’ll find Jumper, Dressage, and AllPurpose saddles; each of which has a design tailored towards a specific use. Knowing which type of saddle you need is a good first start to having a good saddle fit.

2. CHECK THE BALANCE OF THE SEAT When on your horse’s back, the center of the saddle (the seat) should remain parallel to the ground (when viewed from the side).

If fitted correctly it should not appear too high off the withers, or low in the back, as both will cause uneven pressure when riding. Any pinching or imbalance will ultimately restrict movement, and over the long term can injure your horse’s back.

When viewed from the back, the saddle should sit evenly on both sides, and not be leaning to one side more than another.

3. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR CLEARANCE For a good saddle fit there needs to be adequate clearance between the pommel of the saddle and the withers.

Ideally, you should have about 2-3 fingers width of clearance between the pommel and the top and sides of the withers (2-3 fingers all the way around).

A horse’s shoulder moves a lot during riding, so without adequate side clearance you will cause rubbing and restrict his ability to move.

4. PRESSURE POINTS Pressure on your horse’s back from the saddle should be consistent and never too tight. If you run your hand flat between the saddle and your horses back, you should feel even contact along the muscles on each side of the spine (the saddle should not sit directly on the spine or spinal ligaments).

When riding you don’t want your saddle to rock or bridge (bridging occurs when the front and back panels make contact with the horse, but the center does not), as this will exert uneven pressure and can cause discomfort.

5. LENGTH AND WIDTH There are a lot of measurements to consider when fitting a saddle properly, these include the width of the gullet channel, the overall length of the saddle, and the width of the tree.

The width of the gullet channel should be consistent through the length of the saddle, a too narrow channel will sit on the horse’s spine will cause tightening in the back (causing your horse to hollow), and over time will do significant damage to his spine.

The width of the saddle should be the length between the back of the shoulder and the last floating rib, as this is the area where the horse has the most ability to support a saddle.

Anything that sits in front of the shoulder or behind the last rib will put pressure on the lumbar spine

The Eloquent Equine • 31

and can cause the horse to hollow out or buck to relieve the pressure.

The tree width must consider the movement of the shoulder, and should be wide enough that it will not restrict shoulder movement during riding.

horse that is unable to move his shoulder through the full range of motion may be feeling pressure or pinching because there is not enough wither clearance, the tree and/or gullet is too narrow, or the saddle is rocking forward or bridging.

9. DON’T FORGET THE RIDER 6. POST RIDE - CHECK THE NITTY GRITTY Pay attention to the dirt and sweat stains on the underside of your saddle pad when you untack, they can tell you a lot about how your saddle does (or doesn’t) fit.

If there is more dirt and sweat on one side than the other, your saddle (and likely you as a rider) are unbalanced and leaning too heavily to one side. Alternatively, a dry area on a very sweaty pad can indicate a complete lack of contact, or an area where the saddle is pinching so badly that the blood supply to that area was restricted enough to stop those sweat glands from doing what they do best – sweat.

7. MAINTAIN THE QUALITY SADDLE FIT & MOUNTING Mounting from the ground puts excessive strain not only on your horse’s back, but on your tack as well.

Using a mounting block will prevent the uneven pressure that occurs when you mount from the ground, and will also minimize the stress on your horse.

8. HOW AM I MOVING? The best way to test the fit of a saddle is to see it in motion. The way the horse behaves under saddle can indicate where problems lie when it comes to saddle fit. F or example, and unbalanced saddle will cause the rider to become unbalanced as it is not level, and this will lead to imbalance in the horse. Similarly, a

The Essentials • The Top Ten

The balance of a rider will also impact saddle fit.

A well fitted saddle should keep the rider evenly balanced during a ride, but if a rider is significantly unbalanced or regularly rides with more pressure on one side than the other, this can impact the overall fit of the saddle over time.

It can also impact the overall alignment of the horse long term. Additionally, to ensure good saddle fit the saddle must also fit the rider, for example, the seat size should be defined by both the rider’s size and the horse.

10. WHEN IN DOUBT - ASK A PROFESSIONAL There is a lot to consider when fitting a saddle properly, and sometimes it pays to defer to the experts. A professional saddle fitter will be able to accurately assess the fit problems with your saddle, and provide recommendations on what can be done to rectify the situation.

If you are looking for new tack, they can also recommend size and types based on an assessment of your horse. Good saddle fit leads to good performance, so having an expert come out to fit your saddle can pay off in your training and showing down the road.

P.S. DON’T FORGET ...

Also, keep in mind that a horse’s body (and a rider’s as well) changes over time, so it is beneficial to re-assess the fit of your tack on a regular basis.

BONUS TOOL>

SADDLE UP - SADDLE POSITION A HoofNotes Infographic

More of a visual learner? Then check out our saddle fit infographic which combines some of our 10 tips for good saddle fit with great illustrations demonstrating just what we mean!

The Eloquent Equine • 33

Digital Equestrian Magazine THANKS FOR READING!

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