December 2006 Schleese Newsletter
No one cares how much we know until they know how much WE CARE!
Experience Success with the Schleese System, dedicated to equine back health through innovative saddle solutions, education and world-class fitting service.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah from Schleese! All the best to you from us!
December Special!
FREE GIRTH with the purchase on a new in-stock saddle or saddle placed on order.
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News Bits
>> Schleese is pleased to be a sponsor at the USDF FEI Trainer's Conference, Loxahatchee, FL – January 2007
>> Jochen met Dr. Hilary Clayton, DVM, in November. She will be doing research on saddle fit using the Schleese “Wave” saddle. Clayton was impressed with the difference she saw even during her evaluation!
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Saddle Fit Tips- The Truth About Wither Clearance
by Kristen Vlietstra SFT, Training Coordinator
One of the biggest misconceptions in saddle fitting is that three fingers wither clearance means that the saddle fits. When we check saddle fit we check 36 points and wither clearance is only one of them. The withers are a very sensitive area of the horse with different interacting muscles and bones. Obviously we do not want the head of the saddle pushing down on the wither bone of our horse which would cause sores. But a fact that is not widely in circulation is that if the saddle pinches on the sides of the withers just down from the bone at the top it can cause a lot of pain and even lameness in the horse. The Trapezius, Rhomboideus, and Spinalis Dorsi all tie together at the top of the withers requiring clearance as well. Depending on whether you have a mutton withered, or no-withered horse, or a very high withered horse, the three finger rule doesn’t work. A good rule of thumb is that as much clearance as you have on the top of the withers you need on the side of the withers as well, leaving room for these three muscles and also for the shoulder to move under the front of the saddle.
Schleese Supports North American Young Riders (a letter we received)
Hello Mrs. Schleese,
How are you? This is Denise Lukacs. Dianna Haughton e-mailed me to ask me to write about myself and how I did at the North American Young Riders Championships. I am sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner, my second year at university has been keeping me very busy.
I would like to start by thanking you again for sponsoring the young riders team.
The North American Young Riders Championships took place August 1-6. I was in the CCI Championship division. This was my second time at the young riders championships; I also went in 2004. Last year I could not attend because of a sore back from bad saddle fit and other minor injuries that kept my horse from competing (my horse's back has never been sore since being in a Schleese saddle and doesn't want to move if I put any other saddle on him!).
I am 17 years old. My horse is Apollo, an 11 year old Thoroughbred gelding.
I have been riding Apollo for 4 years. I ride Apollo only in Schleese saddles - the Derby dressage saddle and an X-country jumping saddle, both with flair. I was 14th overall at the North American Young Riders Championships this year, with a total score of 62.8 penalties (59.8 penalties in dressage, double clear in cross country, and no jumping but 3 time penalties in the stadium phase). Our team (Ontario/British Columbia/Quebec combined team) finished in sixth.
I am hoping to qualify for the CCI two star at the NAYRC next year, and move up to the 3/4 star level within 3 years.
Thank you, Denise Lukacs
Meet a Face at Schleese – Doug Baker
Doug has been with us almost 14 years – joining Schleese around the time we made the move to our second location in Stouffville. Doug works in the tree department and is responsible for scheduling the production for all of our saddle trees. Doug explained some of the processes that he is involved with making this structural chassis of the saddle: Plating the trees (adding any metal components) involves adding our adjustable gullet plate, the strengthening spring steel, and the stirrup bars. The balance (or ‘sweet spot’) of the tree is determined by the individual cupping and shaping of the seat foam to correspond to rider preferences. The patented crotch comfort system is incorporated into the tree using an air pocket and gel.
Doug’s job has changed quite a bit since he began with us in 1992. At that time he was in saddle repair and had shipping duties. At that point Schleese was still using Hennig trees, and was building about 10 saddles per month. In recent years Schleese has developed its own innovative tree and is now producing around 100 saddles per month – which means that Doug has become a tree specialist.
When asked what he liked best about his job, Doug answered “the ongoing research and development of the Schleese tree, often as a result of rider issues and preferences. Although it can be frustrating at times when things don’t always work out immediately, it is very challenging and satisfying to constantly be on the cutting edge.” His favourite saddle model? The Wave – because he personally helped to design the tree.
In his spare time Doug likes to golf and enjoys watching hockey. His son Bruce, recently a new father, also worked at Schleese a few years ago. Doug is now the proud grandfather of two boys – Jason (almost 3) and Aidan (4 weeks).
Looking Back over the last 20 years!
In 1991 Schleese was commissioned by the Canadian Prime Minister's office to make a beautiful custom leather halter for Prime Minister Brian Mulroney to present to the visiting Mexican President, His Excellency Carlos Salinas de Gortari. Our very first Canadian Certified Saddler, John Banbury (who is still working with us) was proud to have been the craftsman who made the halter.
Look Who’s Riding in Schleese
Jacqueline Brooks Wins Grand Prix Freestyle at Toronto’s Royal Horse Show
Toronto, Ontario – For the first time in her career, Jacqueline Brooks of Mount Albert, ON, won the FEI World Cup Canadian League Final, Presented by Yamana Gold, at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.
A hometown favourite at the Royal Horse Show, Brooks has competed at the Royal Horse Show on four previous occasions, but the fifth time proved to be the charm. Brooks and Gran Gesto displayed harmony and a high degree of difficulty as they performed their Grand Prix Freestyle to powerful and epic music from the motion picture, 'Alexander'. The panel of five international judges rewarded their competitive performance with the winning score of 71.35%. It was a decision that the 6,500 audience members in the sold-out Ricoh Coliseum agreed with, erupting into cheers as Brooks and her 11-year-old dark bay Oldenburg gelding, owned by Brinc Ltd. and Anne Welch, seemingly piaffed forever before coming to their final halt.
WELL DONE JACQUIE
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Find out where we'll be in Dec/Jan
