Scientific Study of Saddle Fit at New Mexico State University

 The Agricultural Marketing group at New Mexico State University has undertaken the first scientific saddle fit study of western performance saddles.
The group will utilize new technology in the form of a force sensor array (FSA) pressure pad to analyze how a saddle applies pressure to the back of a horse. Different levels of pressure will be shown in different colors and in three dimensions.

The focus of the study is on barrel and roping saddles, but the results are applicable to all types of western saddles.

Using this latest innovation in saddle fit diagnosis, New Mexico State University students are examining all aspects of saddle fit, including how both movement and padding affect the distribution of weight across the back of a horse.

The results from examining several hundred horse and rider participants are currently being scanned and catalogued. The group plans to release the results of the study sometime in January. The group is hoping the study will provide new insights into horse and rider comfort and health, as well as challenge some traditional ideas on ways to improve saddle fit.

For information or to access to the results, contact Bill Gorman at New Mexico State University, wigorman@nmsu.edu, or dave@specializedsaddles.com.

Calling All Equine Artists

 If you have a talent with a paintbrush and a flair for depicting the natural beauty of the American Paint Horse, then you should consider applying to be the APHA 2010 World Show artist. But don’t waste any time, because the deadline for all submissions is January 22, 2010.

            The winning artist will receive $1,000, a booth to display their work in at the show and their finished artwork will appear as the cover of the World Show program for both shows. In addition, their artwork will be reproduced as a commemorative fine art print that will be available for purchase.

            If you attended the APHA Fall World Championship, you probably saw the artwork of the 2009 winner, Linda Massey of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. Her finished piece was a two-part mural depicting Paint Horses competing in different disciplines like Western Pleasure, Trail, Halter and Jumping.

            APHA Art Director Art Vasquez describes what the association is looking for in the next World Show artist. “We need an artist who can convey the communication we share with the American Paint Horse in their art, from the alert eyes and ears of a proud stallion, to the calm and willing demeanor of a show horse.”

            To enter a piece of artwork or portfolio into the contest, all artists must include their name, contact information, art media used and dimensions of the final artwork. Any digital submissions smaller than 3 MB may be e-mailed to Patricia Hellam at phellam@apha.com Non-digital submissions should be mailed to American Paint Horse Association, Attn: Patricia Hellam, P.O. Box 961023, Fort Worth, Texas 76161.

            The winning artist will be notified on February 5th and any mailed submissions will be returned. The final artwork will be due April 16^th.