Very Fitting: Proper saddle a must in riding

     Does the saddle fit? And for what use? On which horse or pony? For what size of person? These were some of the questions asked and answered during a forum at the most recent Manes and Tails meeting, April 10, held in North Caribou at Tracy Thibodeau’s Equine Inspirations Learning Center.
Contributed photograph
PROPER FIT – Sarah Wotton of Monticello, with Don Violette of Van Buren, in the back ground, discuss proper saddle fit on “Shyla,” a Halflinger (small horse breed) owned by Tracy Thibodeau of Monticello during a Manes and Tails meeting educational segment.
    Different saddles, horses and ponies were used to demonstrate how English saddles should fit both the horse and rider. Thibodeau received two English saddle donations during the learning session, which also included discussion on how proper equipment, English, Western and specialized, is important for people with special needs teaming with horses and ponies in therapeutic programs. Saddles were tried on ‘Shyla,’ a Halflinger, ‘Honey,’ a Standardbred, with and without pads, mounted and un-mounted. The group also got to meet Thibodeau’s other equines, ‘Romeo, Cedar, Nevaeh,’ and the little pony ‘Leroy Brown.’
    Thibodeau shared that she has named her facility Equine Inspirations because she is inspired working with humans and horses, experiencing the growth and learning, and also the support she has been receiving from community and families who attend sessions at her farm.
     Manes and Tails members followed the ‘saddle session’ with a business meeting, discussing, upcoming trainings for coaches, fund raising and equine insurances. The group often helps people find services near their home and is looking for ways to increase the information available to the public. Some facilities have indoor programs year round, while others operate seasonally in outdoor arenas. Many providers work with regular and diverse special needs children, adults and families, although some may be more behaviorally, or physically orientated.
     Manes and Tails is a non-profit all-volunteer group formed to support the therapeutic use of horses throughout Aroostook. Fund-raising activities help to scholarship sessions where people are most comfortable receiving services, and to assist coaches, who want to further their own training. Visit Manes and Tails online at www.manesandtails.org or Facebook: Manes and Tails Aroostook.
    For more information, call Nancy Dumond Violette, 868-5324 or e-mail ponygirl489@msn.com.