Independent Certified Saddlefitter
Credentials:
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USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist
Equine Massage Therapist Saddle fitting / Educational background
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Why Saddlefitting became a passion
Over the years we have seen way too many clients with incorrectly fitted saddles. Horses not happy to work, actual physical damage cause by saddles fit to wide, too narrow, hard panels or incorrect balance..... While we were able to recognize that it wasn't right I did not have the tools and education to address/correct and fix the problem.
After a lot research about the different avenues I decided to take the path of becoming a "Certified Independent Saddlefitter" with Mike Scott. The course required around 250 hours of classroom hours, homework, research for homework and presentations, Internernships, Bench time, Case studies, Volounteer hours and countless hours in research. We covered not only saddle fitting but bench work, repairs and especially equine anatomy.
I am not an employee of any company so I have the luxury to remain objective Instead, I want clients to be aware about all the options of adjustments that could have been made to their current saddle and make an informed decision.
From reflocking wool panels to changing an incorrect balance; dropping the panels and replacing lumpy or hard flocking and replacing it with soft new wool; converting foam or air panels to wool panels; adjusting a tree a size up and/or down; using shim or therapeutic pads to correct minor fitting issues... there are a lot of things that can be considered first.
Of course sometimes the saddle is just not right... If you have a wide, round barreled horse with flat withers and trying to fit it with Keyhole tree shape that was made for a narrow TB you will run into issues. You might be able to achieve an ok fit, but there are different design of head plates (that's the metal plate that shapes the front of your tree) out there that are made for different shapes. Keyhole, vs, A shaped, vs U shaped hoop shapes... (I'll get into details with articles to come...). Or if you have a horse with a really short back and you are trying to use a 18" saddle with long rear panels that sit way too far back.... it just might not work.
If that's the case we can determine what brand/model would be the best option for you and your horse and I will point you in the right direction. You can then get a few new or used saddles and I will be happy to give you an unbiased opinion about which one fits you and the horse best.
Do I have my personal favorite brands... yes of course I do. But I quickly learned that what works for one horse doesn't work for another. The same goes for the rider and his/her preference in saddle design, support etc.
And I firmly believe that there is not one brand out there that will fit all horses... so why not do a little research with me first and then fit the horse with a saddle/design that is best suited?
My own personal experience after addressing incorrect saddlefit have been nothing but astonishing.
The difference it can make in a horses performance, muscular development and happiness to are well worth the effort once you realize the importance of saddlefitting in the overall picture.
The horse well being comes first... always.
After a lot research about the different avenues I decided to take the path of becoming a "Certified Independent Saddlefitter" with Mike Scott. The course required around 250 hours of classroom hours, homework, research for homework and presentations, Internernships, Bench time, Case studies, Volounteer hours and countless hours in research. We covered not only saddle fitting but bench work, repairs and especially equine anatomy.
I am not an employee of any company so I have the luxury to remain objective Instead, I want clients to be aware about all the options of adjustments that could have been made to their current saddle and make an informed decision.
From reflocking wool panels to changing an incorrect balance; dropping the panels and replacing lumpy or hard flocking and replacing it with soft new wool; converting foam or air panels to wool panels; adjusting a tree a size up and/or down; using shim or therapeutic pads to correct minor fitting issues... there are a lot of things that can be considered first.
Of course sometimes the saddle is just not right... If you have a wide, round barreled horse with flat withers and trying to fit it with Keyhole tree shape that was made for a narrow TB you will run into issues. You might be able to achieve an ok fit, but there are different design of head plates (that's the metal plate that shapes the front of your tree) out there that are made for different shapes. Keyhole, vs, A shaped, vs U shaped hoop shapes... (I'll get into details with articles to come...). Or if you have a horse with a really short back and you are trying to use a 18" saddle with long rear panels that sit way too far back.... it just might not work.
If that's the case we can determine what brand/model would be the best option for you and your horse and I will point you in the right direction. You can then get a few new or used saddles and I will be happy to give you an unbiased opinion about which one fits you and the horse best.
Do I have my personal favorite brands... yes of course I do. But I quickly learned that what works for one horse doesn't work for another. The same goes for the rider and his/her preference in saddle design, support etc.
And I firmly believe that there is not one brand out there that will fit all horses... so why not do a little research with me first and then fit the horse with a saddle/design that is best suited?
My own personal experience after addressing incorrect saddlefit have been nothing but astonishing.
The difference it can make in a horses performance, muscular development and happiness to are well worth the effort once you realize the importance of saddlefitting in the overall picture.
The horse well being comes first... always.
Miriam's equestrian background
Miriam is German born, started riding in Germany at age 7 and has competed through Prix St George & earned her USDF Bronze and Silver Medal.
She has trained with Pierre Cousyn since 2009, benefiting from his 40 years of knowledge, training and horsemanship and his ability to analyze both horses and riders and to create a harmonious relationship while training with a consistent approach.
Under Pierre's training, Miriam has learned to combine her German dressage training with his classical and light training approach, always putting the horse first.
For more info visit CousynDressage.com
She has trained with Pierre Cousyn since 2009, benefiting from his 40 years of knowledge, training and horsemanship and his ability to analyze both horses and riders and to create a harmonious relationship while training with a consistent approach.
Under Pierre's training, Miriam has learned to combine her German dressage training with his classical and light training approach, always putting the horse first.
For more info visit CousynDressage.com
Miriam Graybeal - 561.603.5580 - Aikensaddlefitting.com
