I am teaching a hands-on saddle fitting clinic at the OSU (Oregon State University) Horse Center on April 21st from 9am-4pm.  Live thermal imaging included in this exciting class.  Pre-registration is required.  Check out my Upcoming Clinics page at the URL below for all the details or contact me at (503) 867-1023 or ilene@HolisticHorseBodywork.com

http://www.holistichorsebodyworks.com/saddle-fitting-clinic.html

_Selecting a qualified person to reflock your saddle is imperative.  An incorrectly flocked saddle can cause back, hip and neck pain (for both horse and rider) and even potentially result in irreversible muscle damage and lameness.

Here are some key questions to ask when selecting a saddle reflocker:

• What is the level of experience of the saddle reflocker, and where did they get their training?
• What material will be utilized to do the reflocking? 
  
• Will the old material in the panels be removed and new wool placed in the panel or will new material be added to the existing old material?
• How long will it take to get your saddle back?
• Is there any type of warranty offered for the reflocking?
• Is a saddle flocking recheck included in the price?
• Will you receive a written price quote and receipt for your saddle?
• Is the person doing the reflocking insured?
• What is the cost?
  

We all know that our leg is a key method of communication with our horse.  Our seat, hands and fingers are very important too.

....But what about the bit?

Attached is an informative article posted by My Horse Daily that demystifies bit basics and provides easy to understand information to help riders make an informed bit choice.

The Horse.com also recently published an article summarizing a study regarding how bits can affect the horse's mouth.  The article and study suggest that if behavioral problems arise with your horse, checking the mouth is a good step to take.

The decision regarding whether to use a bit, what bit to use or to go bitless is complex.  Many factors come into play, and the answer is different for every horse/rider team.  Hopefully these two articles will give readers some more information about bits to enable them to make the best choice for their horse and assist in providing a potential solution for behavioral challenges.