Equine Clinics   

Saddle Fitting Clinic participants will learn:

• History of the Saddle
• Types of Saddle - Both English and Western
• Saddle Parts and Construction
• Saddle Tree Variations
• The Role of Horse Conformation in Fitting
• Saddle Tracing
• Rigging, Stirrups, Blankets and Pads

All books and materials for the clinic are included in the registration. Each participant completing the clinic will receive a certificate and be a certified saddle fitter.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own saddles if they wish. Time will be spent evaluating the suitability and fit of each saddle.

The Saddle Up for Success Clinic will equip horse owners and those considering owning a horse with the knowledge and skills to partner effectively with their horses. Our clinic is a comprehensive presentation to help participants learn the essentials of breed evaluation, training plan creation, and building a lasting relationship with your equine companion.

Gain insight into the specific traits and tendencies of your horse’s breed. Discover how these characteristics can influence training and care, enabling you to make informed decisions tailored to your horse. You will learn how to conduct thorough evaluations of your horse, assess health, behavior, and potential. This foundational knowledge will enable you to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Gain insights into how to develop and implement a training plan that aligns with your horse’s individual needs and your riding goals. In addition, included in the clinic will be guidance on nutrition and healthcare, effective riding techniques, problem solving in training and proper tack selection.

Join us at Saddle Up for Success and take charge of your horse’s care and development. You will learn the tools and gain the knowledge to confidently navigate your equine journey. 

With the welfare of the horse as a primary goal, this clinic aims to shift the mindset of participants from viewing the horse merely as a tool for achieving goals to recognizing them as active partners in the process. Reinforcing the concept of the horse as a partner, rather than a tool, not only enhances the equine experience but also promotes a deeper understanding and respect for these intelligent beings.

The partnership between horses owners, trainers and PATH instructors is a distinctive and essential component of equine-assisted services, training and multiple disciplines. With the welfare of the horse as the primary focus, this collaboration enhances the effectiveness of therapeutic sessions, training sessions and the horse’s daily work as horses contribute both to the learning environment and the emotional experience of participants, trainers and owners.

Their intuitive nature allows them to respond to the emotional and physical states of clients, providing valuable insights that instructors might use to tailor their approach. Horses often mirror the feelings of those around them, which enables instructors to observe participants' reactions and adjust the session dynamics accordingly. The same can be said about any horse encounter whether training or riding.

This session will equip participants with the knowledge to interpret equine behavior effectively, provide needed volunteer training and establish guidance in dealing with staff, horses and clients thereby enhancing safety and communication in therapeutic settings. Understanding horse behavior is essential in creating a safe and effective therapeutic environment. By recognizing and interpreting equine signals, participants can enhance communication, build trust, manage horses effectively and assure the welfare of the horse.

Horses are highly observant animals, and their body language can convey a wealth of information about their emotional and physical states. Key indicators include ear position, tail movement, and overall posture. For instance, a horse's ears pointed forward often indicate curiosity or interest, whereas pinned ears may signal irritation or aggression. Anyone involved in any aspect of equine activity should recognize these signs. PATHI instructors should teach volunteers to recognize these signals, as they are essential for assessing a horse’s comfort level and anticipating its reactions. By fostering this awareness, volunteers can better interact with the horses and ensure the well-being of all participants involved in the therapeutic process.

Creating effective lesson plans for trainers, riding instructors and PATH instructors involves a careful approach that emphasizes safety, clear instructional goals, and effective dismount techniques. By focusing on these elements, instructors can ensure a safe and enriching experience for all participants in therapeutic riding programs, riding instruction and training.

Instructional goals include skill development, progress tracking and inclusion of goal, riding , training and therapeutic, all while maintaining emphasis on the welfare of the horse. Participants will learn to develop effective lesson plans for instructors which prioritize safety, set clear instructional goals, and include comprehensive training on safe dismount techniques. By systematically addressing these elements, instructors can create a supportive environment that promotes learning, growth, and enjoyment for participants in therapeutic riding programs. Safety and clear instruction ultimately enhance the overall experience, building confidence and achieving positive outcomes.