Dressage saddle design, common variations and the strengths and weaknesses of different options from the horse’s point of view with Dr Ian Bidstrup
Understanding the difference between one saddle and the next and what is best for your horse is an enormous challenge for most horse riders. What’s ideal for an Olympian and what’s best for the average horse and rider is often quite different.
In this webinar we look at the components of saddle design including the framework and panels. Also we will look at billet placement options and how they work for different horse shapes. We’ll go through how the framework or tree varies in materials, shape of the head, length of the tree points, twist of the bars and support for the panels. The panels vary in bulk, how streamlined or otherwise they are, and what filling they have. Also saddles vary in how adjustable the panels are, as is the case too with the head of the saddle. Girths get a good mention too.
Different options have different strengths and weaknesses as will be seen in the presentation.The webinar should equipe the rider to make a much more informed decision about what they should look for in a saddle for their horse.
For all attendees, CPD certificates available as well as a “view only” recording of the webinar with a 30-day access pass. There will also be a Q and A session with ample opportunity to post questions via our interactive Q&A panel.
Dr Bidstrup
Treating spinal pain and dysfunction of horses has been Ian Bidstrup’s obsession for the last 25 years of his 40 plus years as a veterinarian.
In addition to a degree in veterinary science, qualifications from both Australia and America include a Masters Degree in Chiropractic Science for animals and Certification in Acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Therapeutic approaches include veterinary chiropractic, acupuncture, regenerative Injection therapy (dextrose prolotherapy), neural therapy and homotoxicology. Particular interests include birth trauma, girth pain, neck pain, kissing spines, stifle lock, sacroiliac joint complex strain and dysfunction, and saddle related spinal pain.
Between 2002 and 2009 Ian was one of the principal lecturers in Animal Chiropractic at RMIT University Graduate Diploma in Animal Chiropractic. Also from 2000 to 2020 he was the principal lecturer at the ASFA Saddle Fit Accreditation and Advanced Accreditation courses, and was is the editor of the course manuals. He is rated as a Master Saddle Fitter by ASFA with his specialty being saddle design and suitability.
Ian is a past president of Animal Biomechanical Professionals Australia, formerly known as the Australian Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Also a member of veterinary professional associations ANZCVS (equine medicine and rehabilitation), AVA, EVA, AVAG, and IVAS.