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Continuing Education

  • Continuing Education  ›  Equestrian Online Courses  ›  Bits Saddle Fitting and Hoof Balance
  • Bits Saddle Fitting and Hoof Balance

    Course Description

    Bits are designed to create discomfort in the hope the horse, to avoid the discomfort, will respond in particular way—a response which satisfies the rider. There is no other way to explain how a bit works.  All the fancy names for bits, all the claims for gentle, kind bits cannot change the facts.  So the key is in choosing a bit which is most comfortable for your horse, and knowing how to use the bit. One of the most surprising things students will learn is that there are only two kinds of bits—snaffles and curbs.

    It would be hard to over-emphasize the importance of the correct fit and placement of saddles.  Horses suffer sore and injured backs more frequently due to saddles that rub or apply uneven pressure than for any other reason; this lesson teaches the student how to determine proper saddle fit for any discipline.

    The shoeing of a horse is a necessity born from our horse management practices and modern life. The goal is to balance the horse’s hoof in relationship to his conformation, and to protect the hoof from damage. Students will learn how to measure the hoof, determine hoof balance and select the shoe and the shoe placement which is of most benefit to the horse.  Various horse shoes and their uses are explained.  Shoeing horses in an attempt to overcome lameness and hoof damage are discussed.

    Course Outline


                  I. Types of bits 
                       A. Snaffle 
                       B. Curb 
                       
                 II.  Types of mouthpieces 
                        A. Jointed 
                        B. Ports 
                        C. Rollers 

                III. Saddle Fitting
                        A.  Determine proper placement
                        B.  Check for correct fit
                        C.  Types of pads and blankets

                IV.  Overall hoof balance 
                        A. Medial/lateral 
                        B. Dorsal/palmar 
                        C. Hoof balance chart 

                  V. Type of horse shoes 

                VI.  Hoof conditions 

                VII. Shoe placement 

               VIII. Wedges and pads       

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