The current trend in riding, as in most other things, seems to be "going back to nature".  Riders everywhere are interested in current discussions about whether or not to shoe, whether or not to ride bareback, whether or not to "chemically" supplement your horse’s diet.  According to documented statistics, the following life expectancies show the opposite to be true:

• Life expectancy of the wild horse (for example Mustang) is 5-7 years.

• Life expectancy of a horse ridden by an inexperienced rider, never exercised to the point of cardiovascular exertion: 7-10 years.

• Life expectancy of a horse under professional training and supervision, ridden in competitive sports or in active training: 20-25 years.

Doesn’t that tell you something?  Nature may be good; professional advice and proper equipment to do "what’s right" prove to be better for your horse.

The whole "circle of influence" philosophy should be considered when determining what is best for your horse. The complementary efforts of professionals such as your veterinarian, farrier, chiropractor, and saddler, will exert their influences positively, to enable you and your horse to achieve maximum life expectancy, health and performance.

What does a professional look for and consider when called in to address a problem or concern?  Clearly, there are many external factors and influences acting upon a horse at any given time.  For example, consider that there are 15 points which can influence saddle fit (or saddle fit perception) alone: