One of the real perks that I enjoy in my favorite role as an educator through Saddlefit4Life is meeting and working with all sorts of really interesting equine professionals. We have the honour of teaching many people the Saddlefit4Life philosophy through our Professional’s Training Days, as well as our Certified Saddle Ergonomist courses – both here and in Europe. We now have affiliated professionals in 12 countries and counting and this week I am off to Brazil to teach at a veterinary conference in Sao Paulo (which will make it 13!)

One of my closest allies is the always controversial but passionate Dr. Gerd Heuschmann. I am working with him at the end of October at a symposium in Washington state. Dr. Heuschmann is not only a veterinarian, but also a Pferdewirt (professional rider and trainer) as well as author of the book “Tug of War” (Classical versus “Modern” Dressage), and the dvd ‘If Horses Could Speak’ based on this book (also featuring yours truly!). His lecture includes 3-D modeling of the horse’s movement — expanded with new material. He is committed to helping riders understand how to use biomechanics to keep their horses sound and healthy. His new book, entitled “The Balancing Act” will be out soon. The other cool news is that Gerd is writing the foreword to my book being published by the same company that he works with – due out in early 2012!

A couple other equine professionals with whom I work closely together include my partner in the HIPPOH (Horse Industry Professionals Protecting our Horses) Foundation (www.hippohfoundation.info ),
Dr. Joanna Robson (DVM) – author of ‘Recognizing the Horse in Pain and what to do about it’ (book and dvd), Dr. James Warson (MD) – author of ‘The Rider’s Pain Free Back’ and the only certified equestrian medical practitioner in North America, Jane Savoie (well-known trainer, motivational speaker, and author!) and Dr. Barbara Welter-Boeller who runs the College for Equine and Canine Osteopathy in Germany.

Okay enough name-dropping. What I really want to bring across is that your horse’s health and well-being and comfort and protection from long term back damage really depends on all of these support staff (to you and your horse) working together holistically. Everything interacts and everyone needs to communicate and be on the same page. That’s really the commonality for Saddlefit4life – it’s a network of equine professionals all dedicated to protecting horse and rider from long term damage. We’re in the process of updating the website to make it more interactive and informational…stay tuned! www.saddlefit4life.com

Jochen Schleese, CMS, CSFT, CEE
www.saddlesforwomen.com
www.saddlefit4life.com