Author: Michelle Simon
Planning Unit: Campbell County CES
Major Program: Equine
Plan of Work: Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm Management
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Saddle fitting sessions and measurement gauges are a costly part to owning a horse but properly fitting tack is extremely important for horse health and rider safety. Improper fitting saddles and tack can cause severe pain and discomfort to horses and result in accidents and injuries to riders. Most riders and horse owners do not have their horses or tack measured due to the high cost and inconvenience since tack stores do not have “fitting rooms” for horses. In response to this need, the Boone County ANR Agent collaborated with Dr. Bob Coleman, UK Equine Specialist, and Dr. Ron Leick, DVM, to host the Saddle and Tack Fitting Clinic for participants in person and virtually. Dr. Coleman discussed the importance of a properly fitting bridle and bit and taught participants ways to measure their horses and bridles with specialized tools and by using their hands as measurements. Dr. Leick demonstrated how a saddle should fit a horse correctly so it doesn’t cause pain or discomfort which could lead to injury to the horse and/ or the rider. He used a saddle tech gauge to demonstrate how to measure a saddle and use it to measure a horse and then taught participants how to make a gauge at home using cardboard and a flexible measuring tape to ensure their saddle is the right size for their horse. Participants learned methods to measure their horses using household items so they could then purchase saddles and tacks that would fit their horse without hauling their horse to the tack store to “try it on”. 100% of the participants responded that following the clinic they knew how to use household items to measure their horses and their saddles to check for proper fit and how to adjust bridles so the bit was positioned correctly in the horse’s mouth. This clinic saved the 20 participants approximately $20,000 by teaching participants these tack measuring methods in addition to reduced rider injuries and vet expenses for injured and sore horses that would require treatment.
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