|
By Marlee Horobin
Q. How long have you been in the equine industry and was there a moment of impact where you decided that you wanted to make a difference to horses and equine back health through saddle fitting?
A. I have been a horse lover and enthusiast since I was about 8, riding friends’ ponies and neighbors’ horses until I managed to wear down my dad enough to buy me my first pony a Shetland name Jessie. The point of change for me came about with my current horse; a very sensitive and opinionated chestnut mare! I had bought a couple of quite expensive, imported saddles that promised shoulder freedom, however the panels on the saddle were too long, it was too wide in the twist and the balance of the saddle was to the rear putting me in a chair seat. I persevered for too long trying to convince myself that the saddle was fine but the truth was that I hated it and my horse hated it even more to the point where asking for a canter transition was a no-go zone. So I thought if I am having this much trouble with saddles them I wondered how other people might be faring.
Q. Tell us more about your business or if this is more of a personal journey for you tell us more about that.
A. My hope is to educate and empower horse owners and riders so that they don’t have the experience of buying and selling too many saddles due to poor fit that I had. It’s very hard to get an independent opinion on saddles, equine back health and fit without trying to be sold a particular brand of saddle. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to have a career that involves horses so I am very excited to begin this journey.
Q. What was your favourite part of the journey of becoming an EE so far?
A. I love learning, and anything to do with horses and how to make our interactions with them better is nothing short of heaven for me. The course was fantastic, fun and really informative and I would recommend anybody who has an interest in his or her horse’s wellbeing to consider it. I also had the pleasure of meeting other like-minded people who share the same principles on equine back health and ensuring saddles fit correctly.
Q. We know what an EE is, however what is your individual mission of being an EE?
A. My mission is to not only help ensure there are less horses being ridden in saddles that are poorly fitted and as a result are suffering both physically and emotionally, but also to educate riders that saddle fit for them is just as important as it is for the horse, when the two parts come together – then you can create harmony and magic with your horse. I also hope to empower people so they have more knowledge about saddles and how they should fit their individual horse so they can make better informed decisions in the future either with or without me.
Q. How did you hear about Saddlefit 4 Life?
A. I initially heard about Saddlefit 4 Life through Peter Horobin Saddlery, I watched the nine points of saddle fitting via a link on their Facebook page and I was riveted. I had so many ‘a-ha moments’ that I knew I needed to learn more. The Saddlefit 4 Life website is a goldmine of information.
Q. What challenges are you facing with saddle assessments?
A. The biggest challenge initially is that people are just not aware about how much damage a poorly fitted saddle can do. Once you show them on the horse and point out the key areas that need to be taken into consideration, and not just when the horse is standing still, but more importantly when the horse is in motion, that it is vital to allow freedom of the shoulder and back, it’s then that they really see the difference in what I can offer them as opposed to a regular saddle fit.
Q. During your time working with Peter, what is it about his saddle fitting technique that you admire most?
A. I think anyone who meets Peter and talks to him about equine back health and saddles can’t help but be impressed with how passionate he is about helping horses everywhere be able to work pain free, I know I am. He has a very easy to understand way of getting the message to owners and riders about just how important this is, without overloading them with big words and too much information. I also admire how approachable and willing he is to share his vast knowledge. I’ve asked lots of questions and he has always taken the time to answer them.
Q. How long have you known Peter for?
A. I first met Peter in November 2013 when he came out to assess my horse for a saddle. I was very impressed with the depth of knowledge and explanation I received on the day and I’m pleased to have been able to get to know him better during the course.
Q. What qualities in your saddle do you enjoy? How do they benefit your horse?
A. What’s not to like about it! I am completely in love with my saddle. I love that fact that it is hand crafted out of beautiful quality leather. I bought the new Amazone, a saddle that has been designed specifically for the female pelvis. From the first moment I sat in it on my horse it automatically and effortlessly placed me in a balanced position. A feeling that I had been struggling with for years in other saddles because they are largely designed for the male pelvis. My horse is now happier and more willing to go forward, because my weight is no longer concentrated in the lumbar region of her back and the short, choppy trot has disappeared.
Q. Being an EE, you cannot adjust saddles, so what can you do and how does it differ from other saddle fitters in the market place?
A. It’s a huge responsibility adjusting a saddle and something that takes a great deal of time and training to master. However what I can offer and show people is how to recognise the key points that are essential for a good fit for them and their horse via anatomical points on the horse. I can also show them where the saddle needs to sit to give the horse the optimal chance to perform at his/her best. Often what is seen as misbehaviour in the horse is the horse simply trying to tell us something hurts. I aim to help put an end to some of that misunderstanding. As an independent Equine Ergonomist I am not bound to recommend a particular brand of saddle, but I do advise purchasing one that can be adjusted in gullet angle and width so it can be altered as the horse changes shape.
READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE
|
