Bettenson 08Aug16

From BroadviewRanch.com

Saddle Fitting with Ann Mary Bettenson

Ann Mary Bettenson, a Master Saddlers Association Certified Saddle Fitter and Flocker, is meeting a client at Broadview Ranch on Saturday, August 16th. She has time for some additional saddle fittings. If you would like an appointment call Carol Atwood at 540-463-1000.

Ann Mary's Bio

Ann Mary Bettenson grew up in England where she took her British Horse Society qualifications in 1988. A varied background in the horse world that has included working with distance horses in Spain, showjumpers, race horses and carriage horses eventually led her to the Royal Mews in 1994 where she met the Queen’s Master Saddler. Since then, Ann Mary has continued working with horses as well as expanding her saddle fitting knowledge. Moving to Canada in 1997, she was the manager of a saddlery in Ontario before moving to the States in 1999 and becoming certified by the Master Saddlers Association in 2000. A student of equine biomechanics in so many disciplines enables Ann Mary to truly understand the needs of both the horse and rider when fitting this most crucial piece of equipment, the saddle.

Price

Ann Mary charges $85 for a saddle fitting.

Broadview Ranch is not charging a fee for Ann Mary clients. However, if you would like to school or trail ride as well, our facility fee is $25 per horse.

Requirements

A CURRENT Negative Coggins test is REQUIRED.
All attendees must sign an equine liability release. Juniors must be accompanied by a parent or an adult designated by a parent and have released signed by a parent.

Contact

If you would to set up an appointment

Contact Carol at:

• (540) 463-1000
• (800) 218-9184
• (540) 817-8435 (mobile)
• carol at broadviewranch dot com (email)

What is an MSA Saddle Fitter and what can they do for you and your horse?

An MSA Saddle Fitter has completed an intensive training program including: basic conformation, equine anatomy, gait and symmetry analysis, biomechanics, static and dynamic saddle fitting, template taking and saddle design/construction.

With this knowledge the saddle fitter can apply a scientifically based ten step process to determine is a saddle properly fits the horse’s back. A properly fit saddle will be balanced for both rider and horse, allowing more freedom of movement and a better ride.

Most horses are asymmetrical in conformation. MSA Saddle Fitters are able to adjust most wool flocked saddles to accommodate for any asymmetry (assuming the saddle is of the proper tree width and has sufficient panel to fit the horse).

Keep in mind that the horse’s back is subject to constant change due to variables such as: diet, season, age, health and level of work. When changes do occur, the saddle should be checked by a certified fitter who can then make the necessary adjustments.

Wool stuffed panels are almost universally considered superior to foam for the following reasons. Assuming correctly designed panels, wool conforms to the many shapes of the horses back and can be adjusted if necessary to correct for a multitude of fitting problems. However, a saddle cannot be corrected due to a poorly designed or incorrectly fitted tree.