Services - Assessments

Assessments can help evaluate the training program, conditioning, and lifestyle. It gives knowledge to detect subtle changes in early stages for intervention and care before small problems become larger ones. The assessments are a process using applied sciences to determine what may be the cause of a complaint and what modality or adjustments may be helpful. Complaints have a wide range including changes of behavior, unwillingness to work, sore backs, girthy or cinchy, reoccurring lamenesses and gait abnormalities. The applied sciences include Biomechanics & Gait Analysis, Saddle Fit, Myology, Farrier Science and Dentistry.

Telephone or E-mail for fees and scheduling.

General Body Evaluation includes evaluations of soft tissues, stretching, proprioception abilities, acupoints & pressure points, conformation, shoeing, 1 saddle fit, training aids, locomotion & basic gait, and housing. Click here for Charlie's story

Nutrition Evaluation This service utilizes various sciences and healing arts to determine nutritional needs.

Biomechanics/Gait Analysis Video. This service has three parts: an initial Videography session, slow motion post editing, and follow-up analysis discussion. Combined, we can evaluate the whole body’s movement and evaluate the 15 characteristics of gait. It can be used for recognizing and qualifying factors predisposing the animal to injury, developing techniques for better understanding and improving performance. It can be used to evaluate and document existing problems and the response to treatment and/or training. This includes analysis of Functional Anatomy, Subjective and Objective Conformation, Locomotion, analysis of rider biomechanics and the equine proprioception. Video segments are captured in 1/5 speed and in stop motion action at 30 frames per/second providing detailed evaluation of joints and muscle function. Up to 15 minutes of performance are edited. Includes one VHS tape copy. Digital photography and written gait diagrams are available for an additional fee. Biomechanics

Videography Sessions are an excellent tool for evaluating your training program. Sessions are captured in HI 8 and transferred to VHS or DVD format allowing self evaluation of you and your equines performance. Slow motion and stop motion action at 30 frames per/second of 3 segments included. Up to 15 minutes of performance are captured. Additional time duration is available for an additional fee. Includes 1 VHS or DVD.

Pre-Purchase Assessment. This enables owners and trainers to make better decisions concerning the equine's overall fitness and ability to do the job proposed prior to investing in the veterinary pre-purchase examination. Session includes body assessment, objective conformation using equipometry where applicable, and basic gait analysis. 10 minutes Videography session of all gaits included. This is not a substitute for a veterinary pre-purchase examination. The emphasis is on the body and performance ability.

Saddle Fit Evaluation. This assesses up to 2 saddles using the Four-Step Saddle Fit process which includes: 1) The saddles construction and integrity 2) Your equine's back and its functional anatomy 3) Saddle atop the equine stationary and in motion, and, 4) Rider mounted stationary and in motion. Click here for Kay's Story

Saddle Purchase Guidelines are prepared from an assessment of your equines ergonomic requirements (functional anatomy, locomotion, and sport discipline). Get the information you need to fit your equine before you shop for a saddle.

Saddle Selection Evaluation. Buying a saddle requires detailed preparation, research, time and money. This evaluation assess 4 saddles and includes the Four-Step Saddle Fit process. Slow motion video and pressure point measurement may be utilized. For more details see Saddle Purchasing Tips.

Tack Fit. This assessment includes one saddle, pad, bridle and aids such as breastplates, cruppers, martingales, protective boots. And blankets.