The Ten Step Procedure for Assessing Saddle Fit

This is the final of several articles on the Master Sadders Association Ten Step saddle-fit procedure. It covers Step #9 SADDLE MOVEMENT, and Step #10 HORSE RESPONSE.

STEP #9—SADDLE MOVEMENT

This step is most often overlooked in the saddle-fit process. There are two parts to it: static and dynamic.

For the static part, place your saddle on your horse. Stand behind him on a stool, and look at the lateral balance of the saddle, to include the panels. Think “mirror image” when comparing one side to the other. Unless you have had your saddle professionally adjusted, you will probably observe that the saddle does not sit “squarely” on his back—the left side will be lower than the right, or vice versa. Or the saddle will look crooked. Assuming you have a new saddle, not previously conformed to another horse, the “crookedness” you are seeing is due to his back asymmetry, and can only be corrected by adjusting the panels accordingly.

Confirm this step dynamically and have someone watch you ride at all the paces in both directions. If the saddle consistently lurches to one side, bounces up and down in the back, and/or moves forward onto the shoulders, you need to have a qualified professional evaluate your situation.

STEP #10—HORSE RESPONSE

Outside of a sore back, the ways that your horse expresses his “feelings” about his saddle’s fit are infinite in number. Some behavioral signs are obvious, others are more subtle. Below are some, but not all, behaviors that may disappear when you correct or improve your saddle’s fit.

1) Hard to catch

2) Lays back ears or bites when being saddled/girthed.

3) Consistently unhappy in work

4) Unwilling to go freely forward.

5) Bucking, especially in transitions

6) Bolting

7) Rearing

8) Rushing before and/or after jumps

9) Humping or collapsing back

10) Hollowing

11) Problems with all elements of the “pyramid of training”

Do not assume that these behaviors relate to training until you have had gone through the previous 9 steps and are confident of your saddle’s fit. By following these carefully, especially in more complex situations, you will then be able to consult with a professional and eliminate the possibility that your saddle is contributing to performance and comfort issues. By correcting the weaknesses in your saddle’s fit, your horse’s behavior will tell you almost immediately that he is more comfortable and happy in his work.

Sandy Panek is a Master Saddlers Association Certified Saddle Fitter and County Saddlery Agent and who has been fitting saddles since 1997. She can be reached at. 540-272-0797 or sandypanek@cs.com
© 2003, Sandy Panek

SWVADA extends a HUGE THANKS to Sandy Panek for this most informative and educational series of articles!
There is now a permanent swvada web page with the entire series for posterity and edification.
Sandy Panek's Saddle Fitting Series

VADA News

Hello All!

     We are off to a great start with the organizing of the championship show in October thanks to the wonderful people already committed to working at the show (and lots are riding, too!) This proves that the VADA has one of the best volunteer workforces in the region! Thank you so much to all who have contacted me and donated their precious time! Now, let's keep this ball rolling!...there are still jobs to fill and I need all of you to consider lending a hand. I am available at any time to explain what we have to offer our volunteers, so don't hesitate! We have scribing, scoring, test running, gate keeping (remember, this is for championship classes!) and a variety of odd jobs that can match any volunteer's schedule or references.

     We like to take care of our volunteers, too, so remember that anyone giving more than 1 full day will be offered a hotel stay (usually with another volunteer), and I am working on being able to provide vegetarian choices to the workers during lunch. I am also still looking for an interested party who would like to play lunch host for our scribes and judges. No culinary degree required, just an ability to provide a hot/cold lunch (soups and sands. or salads). We can provide this person with a room, a daily stipend, and food expenses paid, so let me know if this is up your alley!

     Alright, I'm off now...don't forget to take a look at the Volunteer Incentive Program on page 26 of your purple book!...Look and see what how the VADA would like to show its appreciation for our volunteers!

Holly Veloso: velosoh@yahoo.com or 540-586-6649

Dates to Remember
Shows, Events, Sales, Etc.

August 6

Free Yoga for Equestrians Clinics at Cobbs Mountain Farm. Please bring a mat and/or a large towel. We will be learning and practicing the yoga asanas (poses) that are most beneficial to riders.
Call 540- 586-1812 for more info and directions

Aug 9	BREA XC/CT/DR Schooling Show - Green Hill Park / Salem, VA
Aug 23	Summer Sizzler Schooling Show. Green Hill Park/Salem, VA Prize List
Sept 6	VA TACK INVITATIONAL* Esprit Series - Green Hill Park /Salem, VA
Sept 11-14	SWVADA Adult Camp - Fancy Hill Farm - Natural Bridge, VA
Sept 27	First Green Hill Equestrian Games - Green Hill Park / Salem, VA Prize List and Sponsorship Form
Oct 4	Fancy Hill Schooling Show - Fancy Hill Farm / Natural Bridge, VA

NEWS in BRIEF

Dressage @ Lexington highlights
Congrats to all! Editor's disclaimer: if I missed your name and results in the Dressage at Lexington database, forgive me and please send me your info and I will put it in the next newsletter. Sometimes you have to toot your own horn!

Debra Morris & Grande Escapade won the individual Amateur Challenge Training Level Championship with 70% median score.

The Whoa Nellie's Team of Pam Bennington, Susan Dallas, Blanche Mahoney and Ellen Aiken were Reserve Team Champions 64.014% in the First Level Amateur Challenge.

Rebecca Splan placed 3rd in the Second Level Amateur Challenge;
Joey Amory placed 4th in the Second Level Amateur Challenge;
Gail Stanley & Absoluto placed 5th in the Second Level Amateur Challenge;
Laura Nelson & Kalif placed 7th in the Second Level Amateur Challenge.

Pam Bennington & Harbor Point in First Level Test 1 AA, 66.667% for 3rd place.
Terry Whitmore on Karino won Training Level Test 1 with a 64.545% and was 2nd on LaBella Training Level Test 3, 64.583%.
Brigitte Peterson & Leaha Nessa in Second Level classes was 2nd with 59.459% and 4th with 62.973%.
Gabi Hooten & Talisman were 3rd in Training Level tests with a 66.364%, and won 2 4th's with 67.273% and 67.727%
Elise Tyminski & Brownie in Training Level tests were 2nd with a 68.636% and 3rd with a 66.364%.
Lynn Jendrowski & Shapiro were 4th in the Intermediare 1 with a 62.5%.
Hannah Pierucci & Family Affair had a fine showing in Training Level with a 55.909%. Her mom,
Pati Pierucci stayed busy, winning Training Level test 4 on Feuri, 69.231%, and 2nd in Training Level test 3 , 67.5%. Riding Camaron, they earned two 2nd's in Fourth Level, 61.163% and 62.326%. Riding Idilo, they placed 5th in the Intermediare 1 and were CLEARLY the crowd favorites in the FEI I-1 Musical Freestyle.

Congratulate
"Grande Escapade" & Deborah Morris
on their win at Dressage at Lexington of
the Sporting Horse Amateur Challenge at Training Level
with a score of 70%.

We also wish to congratulate

"Absoluto" and Gail Stanley for 5th place at Second Level,

Jean Bost-Moore for placing 5th at Training Level at the Sporting Horse Amateur Challenge,

and Ralph and Kitty Moore, owners of the Friesian stallion Talisman for his outstanding first outing with two 67%'s, and a 66% at Training Level.

At the Morven Park show July 26-27th
Lynn Jendrowski & Shapiro were 3rd in the Intermediare 1 Musical Freestyle with a 70.375%
Frances Yeardley & Highland were 3rd in the Grand Prix with a 57.703%

Best wishes to Chris DeVuyst who continues on the road to recovery and is actually able to spend some time back in the saddle now!

WANTED!!

Volunteers Needed for August 23rd Show - scribes, scorers, runners, announcer(s) plus ring set up and take down. Please contact Ellen Aiken at 345-4761 or Huntaik@cox.net to sign up. The year is more than half over--don't get caught at the end of the season needing hours for Year End Awards!

Volunteers needed for Equestrian Games September 27th. Contact Annette Massey-Shaw
Also sign up to be a sponsor. Click here for the Sponsorship Form

Board Members to serve for the 2004 Year….Contact Pam Bennington

Send interesting news items and shameless brags to Editor. Need to express yourself?
Write or suggest an article for the newsletter.

Harriet Peterson Instruction/Training/Judging USDF 4th level certified instructor "r" dressage judge USDF bronze and silver medalist 434/ 845-2735 hhpete22@aol.com	Brigitte Peterson Encore Stable, Blacksburg Training/Breaking/Lessons/Clinics/Sales Bereiter-FN 540/ 544-7662 encorestable@aol.com	Holly Veloso Central Manor Farm, Bedford Sporthorse Breeding/Sales/Training/Lessons/Clinics 540/ 586-6649
Susan B. Cooper 5360 Blacksburg Rd. Catawba, V Dressage training/Instruction/Clinics/Sales USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medalist 540/ 384-7115 suebcoop@aol.com	Tamla Nichols "r" Dressage Technical Delegate 1689 Bore Auger Road Blue Ridge, Va. 24064 540/ 890-5770 Tamla_nichols@msn.com	Judy Westenhoefer Central Manor Farm Lessons/Clinics/Judging AHSA "R" Judge USDF Bronze/Silver Medalist 540/ 586-2253
Gabriele Hooten The Solid Rock Farm Roanoke Dressage Training/Clinics/Sales Bereiter-FN USDF L Certification 540/ 427-1271 thesolidrockfarm@aol.com	Robin Brueckmann USDF Bronze, Silver, Gold Medals USAE "S Dressage, "R" CT judge Senior Centered Riding Instructor, Level IV ARICP "Instructor Educator", Level IV Member 2000 Paralympic Team, Sydney, Australia Training, lessons, clinics, shows 6004 Lomond Drive, Summerfield NC 27358 336/ 643-8490 chiri302@hotmail.com	Frances Yeardley TurtlePond Farm Lexington Instruction/Training/Clinics/Judging USDF Bronze/Silver Medalist USDF "L" Certification 540/ 463-1964 yeardley@ntelos.net
Pati Pierucci Rivers' Bend Farm Training/Lessons/Sales/Quarantine USET long listed member 434/ 369-5874 mystudmuffins@aol.com	Shouldn't you be listed here? Why don't you have a website yet?	Lynn Jendrowski Bent Tree Farm, Ltd. Instuction/Training/Clinics USDF Bronze/Silver Medalist ARIA Certified Dressage Instructor 540/ 392-8777 dressagelynn@netscape.net

As a service to its members, this space will serve as a directory listing the Chapter's professionals and their services. SWVADA in no way endorses those listed here-in.
Listings are FREE for SWVADA members. SALUTE editor reserves the right to edit listings. To submit a listing, include your name, contact information (phone, e-mail, etc.), services offered,
and e-mail to yeardley@ntelos.net or snail mail to Frances Yeardley / 220 Tempi Dr. / Lexington VA 24450.

CLASSIFIEDS
Classified ads are free to all SWVADA members. Non-members: $5 per insertion
Please notify the editor when your horse, tack or other advertised items are sold.

WHY IMPORT when you can get top quality dressage horses right here in Roanoke?
Sue Cooper, USDF bronze, silver, and gold medalist offers dressage horses of all levels for sale. All are safe, sound, and reasonably priced. If I don't have what you want, I can find it! Just a 10 minute drive from Roanoke, in Catawba, VA. 540 384-7115 or suebcoop@aol.com
working student positions available.
Master Saddlers Association CERTIFIED SADDLE FITTER and COUNTY SADDLERY AGENT: Providing and adhering to the highest standard in saddle fit. Fitting and on-site flocking adjustments.
Contact Sandy Panek 540-272-0797 sandypanek@cs.com.
Otto Schumacher Profi Dressage Saddle, 17.5' seat, blk, very gd condition. Tree width can be adjusted (free of charge) by manufacturer to fit your horse. $1000 Call Marie Klimchuk
540-586-1812

Stall available at Cobbs Mountain Farm: Full Board w/ pasture turn out. Large lighted arena and lunging ring with groomed footing. Heated tack room. Wash stall with hot/cold running water. Qualified Dressage and Huntseat Instructors available for lessons. REASONABLE RATES. Call for more info, Marie Klimchuk 540-586-1812

SWVADA Offers For Sale: Aiwa-Compact Disc Stereo System w/radio & cassette-$125. (Purchased 5/98). Blanche Mahoney, (540) 989-4948, btlbeam@cox.net

Oldenburg-registered purebred Arabian mare, attractive 15.1h grey, 6 y.o., Russian/Polish bloodlines, had a very nice warmblood foal in 2002, previously started under saddle, $4500 with payment terms acceptable, will consider lease with purchase option.
windward97@aol.com

Free puppies- Shepherd/Lab mix, 1 male and three females, The male looks like a black Lab, the females look more like Shepherds, very adorable, would make great barn dogs!
(540)268-5809 or email- tallyho61@aol.com

Han/TB crosses by Wayfarer ( World Cup II son) Talented 3 yr old mares going nicely under saddle. Athletic, big movers ,fabulous temperaments,15.2 and 15.3 hands. Already showing dressage and jumping talent like their Dad. Come see them, ride them and even take a test ride on the stallion. Two year olds available also. Prices start at $6500. Contact Muffin Pantaze at 540-261-1177 or mpantaze@ntelos.net

Would you buy a car without test driving it? Come ride the coolest model and then you'll want to raise one of your own! Breed to the Hanovarian stallion Wayfarer, a World Cup II son who is passing on his athletic ability in both jumping and dressage , his saintly temperament and his workman-like attitude.2003 breeding fee $800 plus handler's fee. Contact Muffin Pantaze at 540-261-1177 or mpantaze@ntelos.net

Several attractive warmblood crosses available for dressage and jumping by successful warmblood stallions: Consul, Gideon and Booskool Boy. Ages 4 and up. Prices start at $7500. Contact Muffin Pantaze at 540-261-1177 or mpantaze@ntelos.net

For Sale; Prestige 17/33 dressage saddle. Very good condition. $800. Contact Sharon 276-638-7340

For Sale; Branded ISR-Oldenburg dark bay. 15.3h, 6 yr. old mare. Pretty. Well started under saddle. Ready to expand on dressage education or start O/F for a possible career in Dressage, CT, or the Hunter ring. Very quiet temperament. Asking $10,000. Contact Marie Klimchuk 540-586-1812 or klimchuk@bellatlantic.net

Arab Trakehner mare 6yr. by Gideon. Going well under saddle has been introduced to jumping but has wonderful gaits and would excel as a dressage show horse. $5,500 Double registered ready to go.
Arab Trakehner gelding 4 yr. old awesome gaits working on lunge with saddle. by Gideon. $5,000. Robin 540-473-3598 thejonesgroup@rbnet.com

For Sale: Small child's 14" all purpose english saddle with fittings and saddle pad. In excellent condition. Call Meredith McGrath at 540-745-2004 (work) or 540-745-3976 (home) $400.00

Newsletter submissions to: Frances Yeardley / yeardley@ntelos.net / 220 Tempi Dr. / Lexington, VA 24450 / 540-463-1964

Newsletter submissions to: Frances Yeardley / yeardley@ntelos.net / 220 Tempi Dr. /Lexington, VA 24450 / 540-463-1964

Lightbulb Jokes for Horses & Horsepeople

HOW MANY HORSEPERSONS DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHTBULB?

WESTERN PLEASURE RIDERS: Oh, my God, someone fix that bulb, I have to have light so that my silver and spangles all glow to their best and so that all the highlighter on Old Peanut Head makes his nose look so smooth and sparkly, and oh, my diamond studs have to flash in the light, you know, so oh, someone has to fix it. Oh, maybe you without all the silver on your saddle, obviously you can't ride, you can do it.

ENDURANCE RIDER: Light bulb? Do you mind, I'm trying to get my horse's pulse/respiration/hydration levels down to respectable levels. Once that is done, I have another 50 miles to go before I can even think about changing a light bulb.

DRESSAGE QUEEN: Change a light bulb? Are you joking? I couldn't possibly be expected to subject myself to such a menial task. Change it yourself. Oh, and wash your hands when you are finished. The very thought!

CLASSICAL DRESSAGE QUEEN: These things cannot be rushed, but must be approached slowly, with great patience, and adherence to the principles laid down by the classical masters, otherwise the light bulb will not attain its
true potential, but will forever just be a shadow of its true self. Never, ever, use any type of gadget when changing the light bulb. That is an offense to the principles of classical light bulb changing.

EVENTERS: Wuss! As soon as my arm is out of this sling broken after falling off at that large stone wall while riding Hell Bent for Leather cross country, I'll change it. Until then, deal with the dark. It'll put hair on your chest. Only dressage riders require lights, anyway.

SHOW JUMPER: Why on Earth would I need to change a light bulb when the whole world knows that the sun shines out of my butt. Why, when I release over a jump, the spectators are practically blinded.

NATURAL HORSEMAN: You must instill respect in the light bulb, so that it sees you as the Alpha light bulb, using "light bulb dynamics" (video set available at $179.00 on my Website). Once you have done this, you will find that there is really no need to change the light bulb at all, but that the light bulb will, with very little coaxing from you (using patented "light bulb coaxer") designed by me - $99.00 each, for extra $49.99 you get a introductory video thrown in) will behave as all good light bulbs should.

HUNTER RIDER: Well, I'm waiting for my trainer to tell me exactly how but he's changing light bulbs somewhere else right now.

BACKYARD HORSEMAN: Do I have to do everything??!! Oh yeah, I do, don't I? I'll get to it as soon as I'm done mucking stalls, cleaning and filling the tub, cleaning and filling the water buckets, stacking my hay, setting up for night feeding, cleaning my tack, picking out manure from the paddock, brushing and exercising the horses, and whatever else needs to be done.

HOW MANY HORSES DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHTBULB?

THOROUGHBRED: Who ME?? Do WHAT? I'm scared of light bulbs! I'm outta here!

ARABIAN: Someone else do it. It might get my silky mane dirty and besides, who's gonna read me the instructions?

QUARTER HORSE: Put all the bulbs in a pen and tell me which one you want.

STANDARDBRED: Oh for Pete's Sake, give me the damn bulb and let's be done with it.

SHETLAND: Give it to me. I'll kill it and we won't have to worry about it anymore.

FRIESIAN: I would, but I can't see where I'm going from behind all this mane.

BELGIAN: Put the Shetland on my back, maybe he can reach it then.

WARMBLOOD: Is the 2nd Level Instruction Packet in English? Doesn't anyone realize that I was sold for $75K as a yearling, but only because my hocks are bad, otherwise I would be worth $100K? I am NOT changing lightbulbs. Make the TB get back here and do it.

MORGAN: Me! Me! Me! Pleeease let me! I wanna do it! I'm gonna do it! I know how, really I do! Just watch! My parole officer said it's okay, really! And when we're done we can go over to the neighbors and chase their cats!

APPALOOSA: Ya'll are a bunch of losers. We don't need to change the lightbulb, I ain't scared of the dark. And someone make that dang Morgan stop jumping up and down before I double barrel him.

HAFLINGER: That thing I ate was a lightbulb?



Send interesting news items and shameless brags to Editor. Need to express yourself? Write or suggest an article for the newsletter.