Stay Safe 2015
|
On March 29th, the LCHC held its first annual Safety Expo at Rancho de la Fuente near Lakeport. The valuable community service event was open to the public, not just LCHC members and was well attended.
Guest speakers from OES (Office of Emergency Services), LEAP (Lake Evacuation and Animal Protection), Cal Fire, Search and Rescue, and UC Davis provided the audience with much valuable information and tips to make ourselves, our farms or ranches, and our pets better prepared to handle emergency situations. Not just fire, flood and earthquakes, but also the kind of bio-security measures we should all practice to protect our livestock and poultry from disease outbreaks. For additional specific information from this event, click here . |
Lake County Horse Council Saddle Clinic January 11, 2014
at Hidden Valley Lake Activity Center
The Lake County Horse Council kicked off the year with their annual January meeting, this time in south county, with a focus on education. Over forty attendees, including continuing and new members, met for the afternoon to learn about saddle fit from Linda Cowles, and to see a unique collection of saddles on display.
Horse owners are typically very concerned about the comfort of their saddles – both for themselves and their horse. Due to the wide variety of saddle styles and shapes available, the uniqueness of each horse’s back, how the horse is used, and the rider’s needs, the process of saddle fitting is complex. There are many variables that affect proper saddle fit, perhaps most importantly, the horse’s anatomy. Linda’s presentation included an overview of the parts of a horse affected by saddles and saddle pads, and shared her extensive knowledge on the topic, as well as that of other experts in the field including Kerry Ridgway DVM. Following a discussion about saddle quality and price, Linda demonstrated how a rider can check his/her own saddle for a proper fit by running a hand under the saddle before it’s cinched, feeling for air space. Observing how the saddle sits when placed on the back without a pad (seat should be level) and whether or not it pinches the scapula (upper shoulder blade) in motion is critical. Generally speaking, a saddle that “rocks” from front to back, sits on the whither or pinches behind the scapula is not a good fit!
Different breeds of horse and different riding disciplines will also be a factor in saddle fit determination. A saddle on a shorter backed horse used for endurance, for example, needs to be checked that it is not putting pressure behind the ribs. Linda described the definitions of “bars” and “panels” used in the construction of both western and English saddles. Rigging on a saddle also needs to be checked for location and security. Especially on custom made saddles, it is important to look for overall symmetry; this can be done by standing the saddle up on its end, and taking a good look at it.
A discussion about saddle pads was also helpful; Linda prefers the use of natural fabrics and materials over synthetic ones, although many riders have had success with synthetics. While a good quality pad cannot correct the faults of a poor saddle fit, therapeutic type pads and inserts may be helpful for horses with unique issues, for example, pockets behind the withers.
Horses will subtly shift their bodies to accommodate saddles, and this is not always to their benefit! For this reason, a good quality saddle, and thorough saddle fit check can help your horse in the long run. For more information, go to Linda’s website at SonomaSaddles.com, or call 707 849-6984. Linda also offered these recommendations for further reading:
English http://www.amazon.com/Horses-Pain-Free-Back-Saddle-Fit-Book/dp/1570762929
Western http://www.amazon.com/Western-Horses-Pain-Free-Back-Saddle-Fit/dp/1570763895/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y
Horse owners are typically very concerned about the comfort of their saddles – both for themselves and their horse. Due to the wide variety of saddle styles and shapes available, the uniqueness of each horse’s back, how the horse is used, and the rider’s needs, the process of saddle fitting is complex. There are many variables that affect proper saddle fit, perhaps most importantly, the horse’s anatomy. Linda’s presentation included an overview of the parts of a horse affected by saddles and saddle pads, and shared her extensive knowledge on the topic, as well as that of other experts in the field including Kerry Ridgway DVM. Following a discussion about saddle quality and price, Linda demonstrated how a rider can check his/her own saddle for a proper fit by running a hand under the saddle before it’s cinched, feeling for air space. Observing how the saddle sits when placed on the back without a pad (seat should be level) and whether or not it pinches the scapula (upper shoulder blade) in motion is critical. Generally speaking, a saddle that “rocks” from front to back, sits on the whither or pinches behind the scapula is not a good fit!
Different breeds of horse and different riding disciplines will also be a factor in saddle fit determination. A saddle on a shorter backed horse used for endurance, for example, needs to be checked that it is not putting pressure behind the ribs. Linda described the definitions of “bars” and “panels” used in the construction of both western and English saddles. Rigging on a saddle also needs to be checked for location and security. Especially on custom made saddles, it is important to look for overall symmetry; this can be done by standing the saddle up on its end, and taking a good look at it.
A discussion about saddle pads was also helpful; Linda prefers the use of natural fabrics and materials over synthetic ones, although many riders have had success with synthetics. While a good quality pad cannot correct the faults of a poor saddle fit, therapeutic type pads and inserts may be helpful for horses with unique issues, for example, pockets behind the withers.
Horses will subtly shift their bodies to accommodate saddles, and this is not always to their benefit! For this reason, a good quality saddle, and thorough saddle fit check can help your horse in the long run. For more information, go to Linda’s website at SonomaSaddles.com, or call 707 849-6984. Linda also offered these recommendations for further reading:
English http://www.amazon.com/Horses-Pain-Free-Back-Saddle-Fit-Book/dp/1570762929
Western http://www.amazon.com/Western-Horses-Pain-Free-Back-Saddle-Fit/dp/1570763895/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y