SEMINARS

$130 USD per person

Hone your observational skills and saddle-savvy in this informative seminar! Created to empower equestrians, this engaging seminar will give you the knowledge you need to make well-informed saddle decisions for you and your horse. From horse anatomy to saddle design, functional movement, and how to spot saddle problems early, Saddle-Smart shares the information and tools you need to help you achieve the perfect fit. 

Seminars are tailored to the riding discipline(s) of the audience and can be customized for a deep dive into specific areas of interest by request. Whenever practical, demonstrations are interactive and utilize visual, auditory, written, and tactile experiences to optimize the learning experience for every attendee.

Due to the COVID pandemic and related health precautions, seminars are currently limited to small groups at private facilities. We look forward to opening registration up to the public in larger venues as safety allows.

If you’ve been invited to a seminar at a private facility, register now to save your seat!

ONLINE 6-WEEK INTENSIVE

BEGINS JANUARY 8, 2024

$525 USD

Interested in a deeper dive into the world of horses and saddles from the comfort of your home and on your own schedule? The online intensive curriculum is designed for serious equestrians, trainers, hardcore horse lovers, and life-long learners who seek deeper understanding.

Each week we’ll explore a module topic in-depth. Just like the seminars, we’ll utilize a mix of visual, auditory, written, and tactile experiences to optimize the learning experience for each person. Through a mix of hands-on activities, scholarly reading materials, videos, quizzes, and exercises for you and your horse, you’ll master the basics and further hone your observational skills, understanding of the issues, and ability to navigate through challenging saddle situations.

Enjoy regular access to the instructor in (optional) weekly group Zoom office hours for the duration of the course to ask questions, review content, work on specific use-cases, or problem-solve for you and your horse. The course cost also includes an in-person session with Suze for the cost of travel or a private 1-on-1 Zoom consultation.

Sign up today!

MODULE 1: Horse Anatomy

Explore how the anatomy and conformation of the horse relates to saddles. Learn how the horse’s movement is influenced by the saddle, and how to recognize the physical signs of poor saddle fit.

MODULE 2: SADDLE DESIGN

Review the anatomy of a saddle and take a look at the interior structures. Learn how the design, materials, and maintenance of the saddle influence you and your horse’s ride, comfort, safety, and longevity of your saddle.

Module 3: SADDLE SHOPPING

Learn saddle shopping best practices and tools you can use to help narrow the search for the right fit. Spot saddle safety issues and test whether a saddle is sound, in good condition, and worth the investment.

MODULE 4: Saddle FIT

Step through the basic elements of good saddle fit for you and your horse. Using a tried-and-true sequence of tests and checks we’ll take the mystery out of proper saddle placement and fit.

MODULE 5: ADJUSTMENTS

Perfect your ride! From shims, pads and flocking changes, to girths and billets, learn simple strategies to improve your saddle fit and horses’ comfort and performance with common sense solutions. 

Module 6: PICK YOUR PRO

Need help? Learn the difference between a saddle rep, a saddle retailer, and saddle fitter. Identify the criteria you should look for in a saddle fitter, and how to find a professional you can trust.

Suze Wood is a certified Master Saddle Fitting Consultant and licensed and nationally certified Equine Massage Therapist based in Waitsburg, Washington.

Coming to the saddle fitting industry from a therapeutic perspective, Suze’s top priority is advocating for the health and comfort of horse and rider and ensuring optimal performance through functional movement.