As both a Master Saddler and Master Saddle Fitter, Kay Hastilow lectures around the globe and recently accepted an invitation to join the team delivering a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course for Advanced Saddle Fitting at the North American Saddle School in Clear Springs, Maryland. The topic was ‘Pain In The Ridden Horse’.
“Sue Dyson very kindly allowed me to share her work 'Pain ethograms in the ridden horse' with the group, highlighting areas that are of particular relevance to saddle fitting. It was well received; we all learned a lot and a vote of thanks was sent to Sue for her generosity in allowing us to share this work.
“Annette Gavin, the school's founder and partner, highly qualified in both knowledge and experience, spoke on various subjects relating to pain in the horse, discussing areas that can be affected, problems that can arise from conformation defects, injury, illness and of course, poorly fitting tack. We also had an excellent talk from Moira Nasbaum, a very experienced equine veterinarian who is a very engaging speaker.
“With Amber Markley, the other partner in the school, three horses were brought out for the candidates to study and comment on their confirmation, along with possible problems that could arise from this. The school has a round pen and above it, a balcony where you can get an aerial view of the top of the horse. This shows asymmetry in quarters, hips, development either side of the spine, shoulders, neck and head. Very illuminating.
Many other topics were covered including Social Licence to ride our horses and this led to lively discussion. The appreciative candidates (pictured above) certainly had plenty to think about on their journey home.
It was a real pleasure to be involved in such an informative and interesting course. Thank you N.A.S.S.”
