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Winn Horses
Becoming a World-Class Western Saddle Fitter
A Week-Long Seminar
This intensive, week-long seminar is designed for aspiring and current saddle fitters, equine professionals, and serious riders seeking to achieve mastery in western saddle fitting. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge, hands-on application, and expert guidance, participants will gain the comprehensive skills necessary to become a world-class western saddle fitter, ensuring optimal comfort, performance, and well-being for horse and rider.
Seminar Objectives:
- Master Equine Anatomy and Biomechanics: Develop a deep understanding of the horse's musculoskeletal system and how it influences saddle fit and performance.
- Deconstruct Western Saddle Design: Gain in-depth knowledge of various western saddle components, their functions, and how they impact fit.
- Develop Advanced Assessment Skills: Learn systematic methods for evaluating horse conformation, back health, and movement in relation to saddle fit.
- Implement Practical Fitting Techniques: Acquire hands-on experience in assessing saddle fit, identifying common issues, and making appropriate adjustments.
- Understand Rider Biomechanics: Explore the intricate relationship between rider position, balance, and the horse's comfort and performance.
- Troubleshoot Complex Fitting Challenges: Develop problem-solving skills to address difficult fitting scenarios and unique equine needs.
- Establish Professional Practices: Learn best practices for client communication, record-keeping, and ethical conduct in the saddle fitting profession.
- Dissection of an aged performance horse used in all aspects of the rodeo arena, one owner - one saddle fitter with a DVM from the state of Kansas.
Topics Covered:
Equine Anatomy for Saddle Fitters:
- Skeletal structures and their role in weight bearing.
- Muscular systems and common areas of atrophy or tension.
- Spinal health and common back issues.
- Gait analysis and its implications for saddle fit.
- Dissection as a full day of the instruction with a DVM from the state of Kansas.
Western Saddle Construction and Design:
- Tree types, materials, and their impact on fit.
- Bar angle, flare, and rock.
- Seat design and rider balance.
- Skirt length, rigging, and stirrup leathers.
- Fleece, padding, and shims.
Comprehensive Horse Assessment:
- Static and dynamic evaluation of horse conformation.
- Palpation techniques for muscle and spinal health.
- Identifying signs of discomfort or pain related to saddle fit.
- Documentation and record-keeping.
Practical Saddle Fitting Sessions:
- On-horse saddle placement and evaluation.
- Identifying pressure points and bridging.
- Addressing wither clearance and spinal channel issues.
- Using different pads and shims effectively.
Rider Biomechanics and Its Influence:
- Analyzing rider posture and balance.
- The impact of rider weight and movement on the horse's back.
- Adjusting the saddle for optimal rider position.
Problem-Solving and Case Studies:
- Addressing common fitting issues (e.g., slipping saddles, sore backs, girth galls).
- Working with horses with challenging conformations.
- Fitting for specific western disciplines (e.g., reining, roping, trail).
Business and Ethics of Saddle Fitting:
- Client communication and expectations.
- Building a professional reputation.
- Ethical considerations in saddle fitting.
- Continuing education and resources.
Seminar Structure:
The seminar will be an immersive experience, combining daily lectures, interactive discussions, live horse demonstrations, and extensive hands-on practical sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to work with a variety of horses and saddles under the direct supervision of experienced instructors. Group discussions and individual feedback sessions will be integral to the learning process.
Who Should Attend:
The seminar is ideal for:
- Individuals aspiring to become professional western saddle fitters.
- Existing saddle fitters looking to refine their skills and expand their knowledge.
- Equine bodyworkers, veterinarians, and farriers seeking to enhance their understanding of saddle fit.
- Dedicated western riders who want to gain an in-depth understanding of saddle fitting for their own horses.
Seminar Details:
Dates:
Location:
Instructors:
Cost:
October 29, 2025 - November 1, 2025 or
November 5, 2025 - November 8, 2025
7450 Hopkins Creek Rd, St. George, Kansas 66535
Wendy Winn & Dixon Winn
$2,500 - Only taking 12 participants each week. First Come First Serve
Dates:
October 29, 2025 - November 1, 2025
or
November 5, 2025 - November 8, 2025
Location:
7450 Hopkins Creek Rd, St. George, Kansas 66535
Instructors:
Wendy Winn & Dixon Winn
Cost:
$2,500 - Only taking 12 participants each week. First Come First Serve
Contact Information:
For more information, please contact Wendy Winn, winnhorses@outlook.com or (435) 660-6003
World Class Saddle Fitting
Level One:
- Courses 1-10 Online
- Anatomy
- Saddle Education
- Tree Education
- R&D - 200 Horses Fit and Documented
- Horsemanship Level 1
Level Two:
- Passed Level One
- Hosted 2 Fitting Clinics
- Live Saddle - tree - fit education
- Horsemanship Level 2
- R&D - 250 Horses Fit
Level Three:
- Passed Level One & Two
- Attend Fitting Clinics as a Fitter Three Times
- Horsemanship Level 3
- R&D - 300 Horses Fit
Level Four:
- Passed Level One, Two, and Three
- Charging a pro rate for fitting
- teaching level one
- R&D - 400 Horses Fit
- Attend 2 vet clinics as Help
Level Five:
- Passed Level One, Two, Three, and Four
- teaching levels 1-2-3 fitting/horsemanship
- R&D - 500 horses fit
- Presenting at fit clinics and educational conferences and dissection class
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