HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
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Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Saddle fit demystified!
2) Questions and answers: peacocks and bitless options
3) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: The Classical Seat
4) Fun and educational websites: hoofcare and riding comfort
5) Featured rule: Use of Equine Medications
6) Free item exchange

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Feature: Finally, saddle fit demystified!
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Years ago I thought I knew how to tell if a saddle fit a horse. I went
through the 9 or 10 point checklist and then if everything checked out, I
had a saddle that fit. My horses said otherwise. The more stoic horses
would end up with sore backs while the expressive ones would throw bucking
fits or refuse to move. I finally gave it all up and just depended on the
horse's reactions to gauge saddle fit.

This all changed about two weeks ago when I discovered the Port Lewis
Impression Pad. A fellow frustrated rider developed a revolutionary way to
test saddle fit. Unlike static molds of a horse's back, or tracings of the
withers, they developed a way to test the fit of the saddle with the rider
on a moving horse. The impression pad is filled with a red dough-like
material that you place between your horse and the saddle and then go for a
ride. The dough shifts around with the weight of the saddle and rider, and
leaves you with an exact impression of the fit. Points of extreme pressure
end up as bare spots on the pad, while points with no pressure are filled
with the dough. After evaluating the fit, just roll out the pad with a
rolling pin, and you're ready for the next test.

Now saddle fit is no worry to me, I could test how my saddle fits every day
if I wanted to. I'm sure I'll be testing it out at least every season. If
you must make a saddle that has pressure points fit temporarily, the company
also sells a correction pad that can be modified to adequately fix most
fitting problems.

Visit the Port Lewis Workshop website at: http://www.rocler.qc.ca/portlewis/
then click on "Port Lewis Saddle Fit System" and then "Impression Pad" to
see more.

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Questions and answers
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Hi Stormy,

I have a great question for you. Might be another good question for your
newsletter. On peacock bands, are they supposed to be twisted or not? I
have always put them on without a twist, yet last year as we were preparing
for EBTH one of the C riders said they were supposed to be twisted. A few
weeks later, Katie came off Sugar and got her foot caught, the band not
releasing. Our trainer said it was because it was twisted, which made it
fit tighter on the iron. At the rating last week (Emily rated up and passed
D2, yeah!!!!) this same C was her rater and wanted to twist her peacock
band. I said not to. I make sure they are in good shape and not stretched
out and I told her to leave it alone. The picture in the D manual shows it
without a twist. What's your sage opinion!!??

Laurie Pringle, Sierra Gold PC parent

Hi Laurie,

You're right that is a great question for the newsletter. Congratulations
to Emily on her D2!!! As far as I know, there is no "official" Pony Club
stand on the twist/non-twist issue. It is however, a subject of great Pony
Club legend. People think that if they were taught one way by a Pony Club
instructor, that must be the Pony Club way.

Here are all of my musings on the subject:

First of all, I don't recommend peacock irons as safety stirrups. There are
too many things that the metal nubs or rubber bands can get caught on while
you're riding. Your stirrups are what stick out the most from the horse
when going in tight places, so I don't want stirrups that can get caught on
things. Personally, I have seen boot laces get caught, as well as a rider's
shirt or belt buckle when mounting or dismounting. I have also heard
recently of a Pony Clubber who got the nub caught on a wire fence they were
riding past.

There are two theories about twisting the bands. First of all, if they are
twisted, then things are less likely to get caught in the band (imagine
riding through dense brush). Secondly, if they are twisted, a loose fitting
band can be made to fit more snugly. Band size varies widely, so twisting
may or may not improve the fit of the band.

There are a couple of other concerns that I've heard but have no way of
proving. First, a tack shop owner told me that the bands weren't designed
to release unless the rider is at least 75 pounds. Most of the kids who use
these stirrups are under that weight limit. The second was from a Chief
Horse Management Judge who said that if a rider is over a certain weight,
the stirrup may bend because it only has the one supporting bar. Again,
this is just speculation as far as I know.

If you want to stick with the peacock irons, I would suggest making sure
that the bands fit rather loosely, especially since they didn't release when
Katie came off. Twist or don't twist to make the tension correct. If
you're ready to invest in a safer pair of safety irons I'd suggest the style
with a curved outer bar. There is nothing to get caught or replace. These
are sometimes called "Foot Free" or "Australian style" safety stirrups.
Make sure the stirrup you get is 1" wider than the widest part of the
rider's boot.

I got your check for Salsa. Thank you again. He is really coming into his
own now. Stopping is no longer an issue and he just feels a lot more
comfortable (stronger) for some reason. He actually asks to canter rather
than having to be forced into it.

Stay safe,
Stormy

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Hi Stormy,

My younger daughter, Alicia, has a new pony and we have been trying a lot of
different approaches on her with bits. She is very goey and Alicia has come
off once very hard on her head and lost some confidence. The pony has had a
prior tongue injury and we tried yesterday using a hackamore and both Alicia
and the pony were very happy with that. We were only in the indoor round
pen because of the rain. We will try riding her out soon and see if it
continues to be as great for her. Control is the main topic right now. The
pony has evented through Novice, done polo, gymkhana and cutting. She is
quick and having control over fences is essential right now.

A Pony Clubber suggested that I contact you and see if you had your bitless
bridle that we could try. We are currently using a western style mechanical
hackamore. We need a few more rides to be sure that it is the right thing.
Then the next question becomes what is acceptable in pony club, etc.

Sandy Campbell, Sierra Gold PC parent

Hi Sandy,

I think you're on the right track by keeping a bit out of her mouth.
Especially if the pony had an injury there. Combine that with a child's
hands and you have potential for the pony to get out of control just because
of the pain. Since the pony has done gymkhana and cutting, it sounds like
the biggest issue won't be what bit works, but retraining her to stay
relaxed. If I had her to work with, I'd definitely use the bitless bridle
over a mechanical hackamore for several reasons. First, the bitless bridle
is designed for direct rein control while mechanical hackamores are designed
for neck-reining. If you direct rein with a mechanical hackamore the horse
will get mixed signals on his nose, chin groove, and poll. The mechanical
hackamore does give more leverage, which makes it easier for a child to stop
a horse, but it's at the expense of lateral control. Secondly, you can't
injure a horse with the bitless bridle, other than rubs if it's adjusted
improperly. Because of the leverage of mechanical hackamores, they can
cause serious damage to the nose and jaw, especially if the horse steps on
the reins and the reins don't break.

In your situation the bitless bridle may or may not be the best choice
because your daughter's safety is more important than what might be the most
comfortable and kind for the pony. Some horses adapt right away to the
bitless bridle, like they've been in it for their whole life. Others take
up to two weeks of an advanced rider schooling the horse in it in order to
understand what they are supposed to do with the new points of control. I
would hesitate to just turn a kid loose with one on a horse that already has
control issues without making sure that they learn how to teach the horse to
give to the reins and flex at the poll with the bridle.

The other option is a "jumping hackamore" which is usually just a rolled
leather noseband with rein attachments on either side. It is basically what
they call a "sidepull" in Western riding. It's control is a little better
than a halter, in that it won't slip around when properly adjusted, but the
bitless bridle will offer a tiny bit more leverage without sacrificing the
horse's comfort. It is definitely a better choice for direct reining than a
mechanical hackamore.

As far as legality in Pony Club with all bitless forms of control, they are
ok to use for lessons. They are also legal for all disciplines I can think
of except dressage and the dressage phase of eventing. They are also not
legal for the flat part of the C1 and higher ratings. I have been told by
the national examiners that there is a clause somewhere in the Pony Club
literature that says that for the flat part of the C1 and higher ratings if
there is some reason why a horse can't use a bit that they will be allowed
to use a bitless method of control for all of the rating.

Of course I wouldn't take the bitless form of control all the way to being
completely bridleless in Pony Club situations, but if the rider is good
enough, then even with a bridle, they won't be using it for control, they'll
be using it for communication.

All that said, I'd be happy to bring a bitless bridle for you to try. You
can see what you think of it and go from there.

Keep it slow,
Stormy

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Hi Stormy,

My daughter has used a bitless bridle for almost 3 years now, but she is
wondering what you think of jumping hackamores.

Mona Johnson, former PC mom, Washington

Hi Mona,

By "jumping hackamore" I'm assuming you just mean the rolled leather
noseband with rein attachments on the left and right sides. These work fine
but I've found they don't give quite as much control as the bitless bridle.
They're very similar to using a halter, but a little better because they
won't slip around as much. There is nothing that makes a "jumping
hackamore" better for jumping than a bitless bridle. The only reason I
might use one over a bitless bridle is if a horse has a sensitive jaw (or
tooth problems) that make the straps painful if pulled tight.

Stay comfortable,
Stormy

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Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!: The Classical Seat
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The Classical Seat by Sylvia Loch

This book is on so many recommended lists that it definitely deserves
mention here. The following is a review from THE EAST ANGLIAN DAILY TIMES,
3/26/88.

Authorities on horsemanship have been attempting to define the ideal
position of the rider in the saddle since riding and writing were invented.
This book looks back to the oldest surviving text, that of Xenophon in
Classical Greece, who declared.."I do not approve of a seat which is as
though the man were on a chair but rather as though he were standing
upright, with his legs apart." It is to this ideal that all students of
dressage aspire from Pony Club upward. Its achievement has proved
notoriously elusive.

Sylvia Loch, who with her late husband Lord Loch ran the Lusitano Stud and
Equitation Centre, the renowned dressage centre in Suffolk, has written a
'slim volume' of deceptive simplicity. "A book so cleverly written and easy
to comprehend," says Lucinda Green, Britain's top event rider, in
appreciation. The making simple of a subject which too many instructors
appear anxious to surround in mystery makes this little book a delight. The
author cuts through the jargon and makes imaginative use of photographs and
diagrams to get the message across.

All riders of no matter what standard, aiming to improve their dressage
marks - or just get fun out of hacking - will find interest and
enlightenment here.

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Fun and educational websites
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www.horseshoes.com - Over 65,000 pages of information dedicated to the art
and science of farriery and hoofcare. An amazing resource.

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Saddle Bums is a company that makes undergarments and riding tights to keep
men and women comfortable in the saddle.

http://www.saddlebums.com/

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Featured rule: Use of Equine Medication
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2002 Horse Management Handbook page 31 section 15: Use of Equine Medication

Medication is defined as any substance that is not plain water, salt, or
electrolytes, and cannot be considered a normal foodstuff. It is
administered either orally, via stomach tube, external surface application
or by injection. Unless medicine is previously prescribed by a
veterinarian, mounts should compete free of medication other than dressings
for minor wounds or scrapes. If a mount is to receive such medication
during the rally, the competitor must present an explanatory note stating
the information listed in Appendix J, page 101-102, or all information on it
included, to the CHMJ UPON ARRIVAL. Failure to do so may result in the
competitor being removed from the rally. This note will then be submitted
to the competition veterinarian who will verify the information and make a
report to the President of the Ground Jury. A Horse Management Judge or
veterinarian must be present whenever a prescribed medication is
administered.

Drug testing is an option and may be requested of the Organizer by the
Technical Delegate.

Medication may only be administered by the competitor, the owner of the
mount, or a person designated by the owner of the mount. HMJs or the Rally
Veterinarian are present solely to observe what is being done. HMJs or
Rally Veterinarians are not responsible for administering a mount's regular
or prescribed medication. When requested by the Judges, all competitors,
managers, and coaches shall allow the veterinarian or the Technical Delegate
to inspect and examine their mounts. Should any person not allow his or
her mount to be inspected and/or examined when requested to do so, the
competitor and mount will be disqualified from further participation in the
competition.

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Free item exchange
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**FREE**FREE**FREE**

Free to good home: 7 yr old TB mare. She's dark bay around 6 or 7 and
16-1 hands. She's very sweet and has been ridden on the flat only by a pony
clubber.

Please email or call Clarice O'Brien at natanddev2@... (916) 217-8133

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Free to good home: 15 year old grey Anglo Arab gelding. Approximately 15.2
hands. Has had dressage training in the past but has been hanging out in a
pasture getting trail ridden a couple times a year for the past few years.
Doesn't have any soundness issues that I'm aware of. Our neighbors own the
horse and are going through a divorce so they just want me to help find him
a good home. Please email Stormy at: stormy@...

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Submit your free horse-related items or services here. If you or your club
has items they are willing to pass along to a new family, this is a great
place to list them. Listings can come from any part of the country, or even
overseas!

Free items may include but are not limited to:

riding clothes
rally equipment
horse-related games and toys
tack and training equipment
blankets, wraps, halters
books or magazines
horse-related artwork
and of course...horses and ponies!

The recipient may be expected to handle any shipping costs.

Please provide a phone and/or email contact with each listing. Items will
be listed in the next HM Newsletter and will not be renewed unless an
additional email is sent asking for the listing to be continued.

So...clean out your tackroom and make room for more stuff!

To submit your items, simply reply to this email or write to:
stormy@... .

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Call for submissions
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Help make this newsletter the best it can be. Do you have any issues you'd
like to see addressed here? How about ideas for recommended products, books,
or videos? Want to submit your own article, or a question for the questions
and answers section? Send them to: stormy@... and I'll keep a log
of topics and articles for upcoming issues.