September 2011

Hello Everyone! Don't worry, it will stop raining eventually. And when it does there are some really nice riding
days ahead. I can't wait to get back out with Fancy again. She took a little vacation to heal a cut on her leg.
Easy filled in for her at a IEO show last week.

We had a really nice Kindergarten clinic. The young horses really responded well to the exercises. It was totally
obvious to everyone watching that these babies are really just looking for a kind but strong leader. The horses
at the Level 1 clinic were so good that we all rode together outside. They did some mirroring exercises that were
really a test in disguise. Riders did pretty good too!

This month I added Certified Saddle Ergonomist to my list of certifications and FIT RIGHT SADDLE SOLUTIONS
is born. My saddle fitting training continues but I have passed several tests to become certified with Saddlefit 4 Life.
The responsibility of a saddle ergonomist is to make sure that the saddle, rider and horse all work together without
causing discomfort or damage to horse and rider. The guidelines that I follow have been scientifically proven by
veterinarians not a saddle manufacturer. I will be talking about how the english and western saddle should fit the
horse at my lecture here in November. We are going to be in the indoor for a couple hours so bring a chair and
wear something warm. It could be chilly at 9am.

Schedule of Events at Buck N Horse Hollow

Level 2 Clinic that was scheduled on Sunday Oct. 9, 2011 is changed to Sunday Oct. 23, 2011
Level 3 Clinic Sunday Oct. 30, 2011

FREE SADDLE FITTING LECTURE on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 at 9am
open to everyone, bring a chair, a snack or something to share if you want to & a friend

Jochen Schleese - Certified Master Saddler
will be here November 14 & 15 for saddle fittings
FMI contact: fitright@bucknhorsehollow.com or lhaughton@schleese.com
pre-registration is required

Congratulations to Chasity Hartzell on the purchase of her new paint 2 year old, Tux.

RIDING SHOULD NOT CAUSE BACK PAIN
On some saddles the stirrups are hung too far forward for the rider and the lowest part of the seat is too
far back and the rider feels the need to very slightly lean forward. Leaning forward tires and strains the
back muscles. Subconsciously the body feels the need to stay over the center of balance but, this causes
the rider to lose the natural curve in the spine in the lumbar region. The muscles then become tired and sore
trying to keep the rider in balance. As the spine straightens it puts pressure on the disc that are in between
the vertebrae, these aggravated discs can and do then aggravate the spinal column and nerves causing back
pain. The discs are supposed to act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae and work their best while the
back is in its natural curved position. When a rider loses that last natural curve he becomes a much heavier
passenger for the horse. Proper saddle fit to rider and a balanced seat are as just as important to rider and
they are to the horse. To read more about a saddle fit evaluation go to 
http://www.schleese.com/WhatHappensSaddlefitSession

TTYS & God Bless
Terry