Tack: Help or Hindrance?

Event description

We all understand the importance of correctly fitting tack but, do we really understand the impact it can have on the horse’s way of going – positive or negative?

When your clients say they have training/riding issues do you just look at the horse for potential problems or, do you see it tacked up? Are you able to fully assess the impact a poorly fitting saddle or bridle has on soundness or way of going? Do you understand the impact of a tight browband, compromised hyoid apparatus or perhaps, but not least, movement restricted by a saddle?

Our experts will discuss the anatomy of the head and its connection to the rest of the body; the importance of assessing the mouth for an appropriate bit and, the effects of a badly fitting saddle.

Remember, the horse’s head is a heavy weight at the end of a long neck, if the horse is slightly compromised in the way it carries this weight, the knock-on effect will ultimately impact soundness.

This event brings together, saddler, equine dentist, bitting expert and trainer, for an in depth look at how tack can influence the horse.

SPEAKERS

• Liz Eaton
• Claire Johnson
• Vicki Wise
• Luisa Cuomo

SPEAKER PROFILES

Liz Eaton BHS Performance Coach (BHSI)



Liz has over 35 years experience coaching riders from grass roots to advanced competition in all 3 disciplines. Psychology and biomechanics of horse and rider play a large role in her coaching style and she works closely with professionals in related fields to facilitate this.

Claire Johnson BSc (Hons) Equine Dental Science, MSc Equine Science, BAEDT



Claire qualified as a BEVA/BVDA Equine Dental Technician in 2009 and, has since been developing her business alongside teaching the BSc and FdSc Equine Dental provision at Hartpury College from 2010-2015. She has been an active member of the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians; well standing on the Council for over 6 years.

During her time at Hartpury Claire published numerous peer reviewed research publications, alongside her fellow colleagues and students. Since leaving Harptury, she has worked for an equine dental equipment company, travelling all over the world to attend conferences and CPD courses relating to veterinary dentistry.

Claire has also guest lectured at other colleges, including the Equine Dental course at Plumpton College. She is currently training to become an examiner for the BEVA/BVDA practical exam for the BAEDT.

In her spare time, when she has some, Claire likes to travel, scuba dive and go hiking.

Vicki Wise LANTRA accredited bit and bridle fitting – Independent Consultant



Vicki has loved and been around horses since the age of 8, when she first started riding lessons. After working in a riding school in her late teens and early twenties, she left the horse world for a while, and became a fully qualified accountant. Life has now taken her in a full circle, to be working with horses again, this time as a LANTRA accredited bit and bridle fitting consultant.

She has seen hundreds of horses since qualifying in February 2019, with horses ranging from youngsters, to International Grand Prix dressage horses, head-shakers, hacking horses, a too cute Shetland, and, a horse with vet referral due to pathological issues.

Vicki is training to become an NCFE Level 4 Practitioner in Equine Merisha Massage and also to become a IAAT Equine Craniosacral and Myofascial Release Therapist.

The LANTRA course was an intensive and thorough course, encompassing not just learning about bits and bridles but also, equine anatomy and behaviour – a whole horse approach.

Louisa Cuomo



The love of horses lies at the heart of Louisa’s work. Having learnt to ride herself as a six-year-old pony-mad girl, horses have remained central to her life. Her passion for their welfare and comfort drove Louisa to develop her bespoke saddles and new fitting techniques.

As well as being a qualified saddle fitter, Louisa is an experienced dressage rider and British Dressage judge. Her knowledge and understanding of both horse and rider biomechanics have enabled her to develop a unique process of saddle fitting and, to create a collection of saddles that maximise the horse’s comfort and performance.

Louisa works with all types of horses, from newly backed youngsters to older horses. She also works with elite riders and trainers around the world, with horses performing at the very top of their sport.

Louisa was the only Saddle Bio-mechanist to attend The Vet Congress, Amersterdam 2019 – a gathering of leading international vets. Louisa continues to work on several of her own and others research projects, aiming to understand and improve asymmetry of horse and rider.