The weekend of October 5-7, 2012 featured world renowned veterinarian and author Dr. Gerd Heuschmann as guest clinician at Loch Hurst Farm in Vass, NC where “The Biomechanics of the Horse” was the topic of interest for the riders and auditors. On Friday evening (October 5) an industry roundtable discussion was held, including such equine professionals as trainer Shawna Karrasch, Certified Master Saddler and Equine Ergonomist Jochen Schleese, Dr. Richard Mansmann and former USDF Director Gil Merrick, each of whom presented their point of view about doing what is right for the health of the horse, and then participated in a question and answer session. (DVM Dr. Megan Ross had to send her regrets, as she unfortunately had a bout of food poisoning and couldn’t participate!)
Symposium organizer Linda Hoover of the United States Refined Horsemanship Association stated:
“I have received so many wonderful comments about the symposium. Attendees loved the synergy of the panelists during the roundtable discussion. Several people commented that they were amazed to see a group of horse professionals on the same page about stewardship to the horse. I was also pleased to see how many people were interested in saddle fit.
If we are to turn the tide in a direction that honors the horse in and out of competition, it will be through a joint effort of a committed few who lead the way and provide a path for others to follow. Educational events, like the symposium, are important to enlighten riders and owners about what is important to the horse and not just of interest to us as riders. As you well know, if we meet the needs of the horse, the horse will generously give back.”
Dr. Mansmann adds:
“As a veterinarian who has spent his 40 plus years working on lameness from a medical perspective; and not an interventional perspective (no hock injections!), having a confluence of training, saddle fitting, farriery and veterinary anatomy all in one weekend is GREAT! Besides the excellent content, the organization, facilities and hospitality were spectacular.”
All of this supports the theory that while each of us may be strong and successful in our own field; together we become a force to be reckoned with and can make the changes that need to be made! Many of the participants were pleasantly surprised to see for the first time a panel of experts all aligned in their opinions for the good of the horse.
For further information contact
Sabine Schleese
Saddlefit4life
Linda Hoover
United States Refined Horsemanship Association, Inc.
