CIM
Al-Ahliyya Amman University
Training and Consulting Department
CIM
The Leading International College
Of Integrative Medicine

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Horse Bit, Bridle, Girth and Saddle Assessment

8 Days | 2 modules – 4 each
Language of Delivery: Arabic/English
Delivery: Face to Face/Zoom

Audience

This study program is intended for all horse and animal lovers, for riders, for horse owners, for veterinarians, for stable workers, and for those working in all equine therapeutic fields. With the aim of treating and caring for your horse, or the horses under your responsibility, and also to acquire new effective therapeutic tools, develop your profession, stand out from other practitioners and acquire professions that are in great demand in the labor market, with international certificates from the leading institutions in the field and for the first time in the country.

About the program

Course Level: Level 1 and 2 combined

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man - Winston Churchill

This course is intended to introduce a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the field of bits and bitting and how to assess the fit or a saddle. We will explore an analysis of bits from their operational perspective, a description of how auxiliary tack affects the action of the bit on the horse and the influence of the rider’s position, as well as the horse’s head position, have on the action of the bit. A broad overview of the history of the bit, materials used for bits and anatomy of the mouth is provided to ensure a well-rounded overview of the subject.

Equine anatomy especially of the mouth, head and neck is very important as ill-fitting tack can cause everything from performance limitations through to pain and injury.

When fitting a bridle we will learn to consider:

1. The Browband

Make sure the browband is not too tight and is not pulling the headpiece onto the back of the ears.

2. The Throatlash

The throatlash must not be tight, as it will interfere with breathing and collection. To ensure comfort there should be enough room to place a clenched fist between the side of the horse's cheek and throatlash.

3. The Cheeks

The buckles of the cheek pieces and noseband should be parallel and slightly below the corner of the eye.

4. The Noseband

The noseband must lie at least one finger or 1cm below the cheekbones, as this is another pressure point area. If the noseband is placed too high on the face it can cause great pain.

The pad on the back of the crank noseband fastening should not connect to the front of the noseband, as this can cause pinching and subsequent sores

Saddle Fit Assessment

A poor saddle fit can do more than just cause pain and discomfort to your horse—it can also result in poor performance, bad behavior, and training problems. You and your horse will always work better as a team when the saddle fits correctly.

When evaluating the fit of a saddle to a horse many aspects need to be taking into consideration.

The tree of the saddle should match the shape of the horse’s topline. In other words, the anatomy of the saddle should match the anatomy of the horse.

The panels are the interface between the tree and your horse’s strong, sensitive muscles.

The shape and style of panel is important in how they relate to different sizes and shapes of topline confirmation.

The students will also learn how to correctly fit and recognize an ill-fitting saddle and propose possible solutions.

The use of interfaces and other saddle equipment will also be evaluated in relation to way of going and their effect on performance. They will also learn how saddle fit and rider influence affects equine biomechanics.

This programme provides a detailed look at the various types of saddle, the various parts of the saddle, their construction and make up.  The student will develop the ability to assess a saddle to ensure it is in good condition before looking at placing the saddle on the horse.

Billet configuration is an often forgotten about element of saddle fit. Different billet configurations and positioning also determine how a saddle can be flocked for optimal fit.

We will be using a variety of learning from classroom based to practical with a focus on learning through understanding.

Talking about the rider we will go through the anatomy of the rider, the differences with men and women and the differences with conformations and postures.

Train the professionals of tomorrow in advanced techniques of analysis, settings, design and choice of equipment and materials is my aim. This is why we are also going to talk about bit fitting.

There is an anatomical reality, and what is called “conformation”. Each horse therefore has the same cranial anatomy, but with specific dimensions. Thick or thin neck, wide or narrow forehead, thin or round cheeks, long or short nose...

This is the job of the bit fitter to know how to fit the head of a horse and to suggest a bridle (with or without bit) that suits it.

Understanding postural and musculoskeletal functioning, identifying physical

compensations and asymmetries (causes, solutions, anatomy compensatory patterns): it is just necessary to help your horse feel good about himself, by adopting a care and work protocol adapted to HIS own needs! And bonus: the morphological landmarks that you will learn to locate will allow you to take its measurements.

•       What are the differences between the various models of saddle pads, shock absorbers, half pads…?

•       How to check the girths (shapes, fabric, anatomical girths) is correctly fitted? What is their aim? How to use them?

•       Impact of rider’s weight on horses’ health (facts, studies and opinions).

•       Topline syndrome

•       Thoracic sling in saddle fitting and training

•       Horses balance

The importance of teamwork in your horse’s day life!

Saddle and girth fitting are an important part of the horse’s well-being, and incorrectly fitted saddles and girths can cause tension in the horse’s musculature, alter gait patterns and cause lameness. It is important for those involved with horses to be able to identify incorrectly fitted saddles and girths.   A correctly fitted saddle and girth is not only important for the horse’s comfort but to allow the best performance of the horse. 

Certificates

(Diploma) Certificate from Al-Ahliyya Amman University – the Training and Consulting Department, the International College of Integrative Medicine (CIM), Dubai Racing Club, Dubai Equestrian Club and the International Organization for Complementary Medicine (CMA) located in London, UK, which qualifies the graduates to work all over the world.

Syllabus
Syllabus

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Registration Cost 300$

Jordan

Al-Ahliyya Amman University