Saddle & Bit Fitting Clinic

Stacy Hockel

• Stacy has been fortunate to apprentice with one of the best saddle fitters in the nation, George Gullikson. They made many trips to England to work with Patrick Saddlery and Baines Saddlery. He taught her that saddle fitting is an art. You have to take more than just the static frame fit into consideration, you have to evaluate the rider's confirmation and riding style, the horse's conformation, movement, temperament, symmetry and discipline level. There is so much more than just the '9-10 points of saddle fitting.'

• Stacy believes that because horses are tremendous athletes, you have to re-evaluate your saddle fit more than once a year. Think about being in training yourself; working out at the gym, your body changes within just a few weeks. The same goes for your horse. You need to have your saddle checked a few times a year to make sure pressure points are not being created which will inhibit your horse's performance and attitude.
  
• Does your saddle fit you? These questions can be answered as well. If you are getting side aches, back aches, and fight for position constantly, it most likely is your saddle fit. Being behind the motion, falling to one side, falling onto the pommel, all these issues and more can be addressed.

 Felicia  Sackett

• Felicia is certified in Equine Bits and Bitting Science, has completed three years of training with Kim Gentry, and worked with Kim for two seasons in Florida with top international riders and para riders, with five years of fitting experience overall.

• Felicia works with Herm Sprenger, Neue Schule, Bomber, Nathe, and Myler bits, and Passier, Schockemoehle, and Otto Schumacher anatomical bridles.

• Felicia also does custom Cavallo boot fittings and BEMER therapy sessions.