Joyce Harman, DVM
Pain-Free Back and Saddle Fit
a book about keeping your horse's back pain free
Ensure Soundness and Comfort with Back Analysis and Correct Use of Saddles and Pads
Author: Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS
Publisher: Trafalgar Square, PO Box 257, 388 Howe Hill Rd, North Pomfret, VT 05053; 800-423-4525
Price: $29.95
When a horse suddenly develops a performance problem or a bad attitude and neither seems to be remedied by new training techniques or medical care, the owner often faces months -- even years -- of frustration and career limitation. Dr. Joyce Harman, veterinarian and respected saddle-fitting expert, claims that 75 percent of horses with such issues are simply reacting to pain caused by ill-fitting saddles. And, as she explains in this thorough and highly illustrated book, poor saddle fit can be corrected with patience and know-how. Here she teaches the reader how to determine whether a saddle is sound and if it properly accommodates both horse and rider, how to individualize saddle fit or find a new saddle appropriate in size and style, and how to treat pre-existing back pain and avoid its future occurrence.