A session with Sarah Linton includes bodywork and saddle fitting. This essentially gives you two services in one hit, rather than scheduling one for each. Because of this, I allow up to two hours for a session and go over your horse’s detailed case history which includes his training & exercise programme, health issues or accidents he may have had, goals that you have, plus a lot of other information.
During the session I do a gait assessment – this includes watching the horse move at walk and trot in hand and sometimes on the lunge, plus a few other moves. I give the horse a full check over, looking for any unevenness in muscle development and feeling for any soreness, tight areas or restrictions.
All saddles that are used on the horse are checked and I also look at dirty saddle blankets. If needed a ridden test will be examined as well to look at pressure areas, how the horse moves with the saddle on, how saddle fits the rider and what the saddle is doing on the horse. If pads or shims are required I can usually make them up on the spot to help while the horse is changing shape.
Any important information in what to look out for with saddle fitting will be discussed with owners in this time as well. I do not sell saddles but give a totally independent opinion on what fits. However I often have access to saddles that are for sale or can point you in the right direction.
During the session I give the horse some bodywork as well, which usually includes some massage and stretching, and if needed I will give owners homework and follow-up exercise to do as well. You get a copy of your notes of what I found in our session, a signs of soreness list and saddle fitting checklist in a folder. I also offer after care support via phone or email if any questions arise after our session.
Please note: I do not do body work without checking saddles, and I do not do a saddle fitting without doing any bodywork. This essentially gives you two services in one session.