USEA Editors Leslie Threlkeld and Caroline Culbertson met with professional saddle fitter Patty Merli to discuss some basics of saddle fitting that can be evaluated at home before calling a pro.
“Riding is all about feel - so is saddle fitting," said Merli. "Does the horse feel free? Do you feel balanced? Is your position effective? Can you put your aids on without feeling like you have to change your position? Does your leg stay under you over a fence? That would basically move them into the next part of a fitting - to the ring.”
Read Part 2 of this two-part series here. Did you miss Part 1? Go here.
It’s hard to believe that 2025 marks the 40th year that we have been running the Winona Horse Trials. But in many ways, it seems so long ago that Dave and I moved to Winona and one March morning took a walk around Huffman’s farm and began to dream.
You asked and midwestern FEI eventer Julie Wolfert answered! In this week's episode of the USEA Podcast, Host Nicole Brown hits Julie with all of your biggest questions (all while Julie waits out a tornado while in transit to compete at Stable View) including competition preparations, eventing in the midwest, Julie's eventing history, what is to come in the future, and so much more.
Eventing combines three phases: dressage, show jumping, and cross-country. It is arguable that many eventers compete in this sport because of the cross-country phase. It's a fan-favorite for sure with its wide open galloping tracks, a wide variety of obstacles to jump, and the ability to encounter natural elements such as water, banks, ditches, and more!
Boyd Martin came into cross-country today in the CCI4*-S at Stable View in an enviable position, holding the top three places, and he put in three strong performances with his Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event-bound horses, finishing on top with Commando 3 (38.0), in second with Fedarman B (38.8), and in fourth with Luke 140 (40.4).
Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA
Official Feed of the USEA
Official Saddle of the USEA
Official Forage of the USEA
Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA
Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA
Official Horse Boot of the USEA
Official Shock Wave of the USEA
Official Horse Wear of the USEA
The USEA is the official sport affiliate of U.S. Equestrian
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