NORTH AMERICAN SADDLERY SCHOOL
Traditional Saddlery Skills for Modern Equestrians
Horses Inside Out
Horses Inside Out is an award-winning, internationally recognised organisation founded by Gillian Higgins in 2006.
Its purpose is to give riders, coaches, and therapists, in fact, anyone interested in discovering more about horses, a fascinating insight into equine locomotion, training, management and welfare from an anatomical perspective.
Gillian is an equine anatomist, biomechanist, BHS Senior Coach, professional Sports and Remedial Therapist and author with a first class honours degree in Equine Science and Business Management. She is an engaging knowledgeable presenter.
Gillian has performed extensive dissection studies, photographs and footage from which are included in this course. She has also developed a number of anatomical models including one illustrating the anatomy of the head pertinent to bridle fit and design.
As well as conventional training, Gillian has studied both traditional and holistic Equine Therapies in America, France, Germany and Sweden.
She works with horses from all disciplines and levels from leisure to Olympic, gives lectures, runs courses both nationally and internationally, delivers online courses and webinars and is committed to giving our equine partners the best possible levels of care and consideration.
She rides regularly, owns two horses and has evented up to advanced level.
Anatomical Painting Workshop for Horse Owners
This fun, interactive practical course gives a hands-on approach to learning anatomy and more about the principles of horse movement, posture, structure, function and biomechanics. It is an excellent way to learn about the musculoskeletal system and how horses work.
In the morning, course attendees will get the opportunity to have a go at painting the skeleton on horses in teams. So by the end of the morning there will be a group of anatomically painted horses. This course is not just about the learning the names and location of the bones but how to palpate the horse horse’s anatomy and how an understanding of the skeleton can help us, as owners, rider, trainers, to better improve the way we ride, train and look after our horses for improved comfort, soundness and performance. Anatomical painting is a fun and memorable way to learn.
The afternoon session will include, principles of movement, pole work and pilates -style exercises you can do with your horse.
This course is a must for all horse owners and all riders wishing to improve longevity and performance with their horses.
Head Anatomy for Bridle Fit and Design a course for professionals
The course is open to all fully qualified, practising and trainee bit and bridle fitters and makers. It will look at the practical aspects of anatomy, function and biomechanics of the external structures of the head and how this can be applied to bridle fit.
It will take an in-depth look at the structure and function and relate it to way of going and bridle fit. The course is illustrated with slow-motion videos of painted horses and dissection footage to enable the delegate to better visualise the structures. There will be a number of anatomical models and specimens available to study and we will discuss a range of bridle styles and designs. The course is a mix of theory and practical sessions which will include palpation and anatomical painting sessions. It will provide a great opportunity for networking and discussion with like-minded bridle fitters.
Correct bridle fit is just as important at saddle fit and can have a huge influence on your horse’s comfort and way of going.
This course boosts your knowledge on this subject by looking in detail at the internal and external structures of the head. To give you a clear understanding of what lies under your horse’s skin and to help you see your horse from a new perspective, Gillian uses her signature paintings on horses, drawings, intricate anatomy models and dissection photographs and videos to illustrate the points.
Covering the hyoid apparatus, temporomandibular joint and tongue as well as bones, nerves, muscles and teeth, this in-depth practical course on the anatomy of the head is perfect for riders, coaches, horse owners, therapists and bridle fitters, demonstrates palpation and therapy techniques you can do with your hose and how understanding more about the anatomy of the head enables us to fit a bridle and handle the head more sensitively with the comfort and performance of the horse in mind.
Practical Anatomy and Biomechanics Course
for Saddlery Professionals
The course is open to all fully qualified, practising and trainee saddlers, saddle fitters, saddle designers and saddle makers. It will look at the practical aspects of applied biomechanics and anatomical principles of movement related to the horse’s back and head.
It will take an in-depth look at the structure and function and relate it to way of going and saddle and bridle fit.
The course is illustrated with slow-motion video of painted horses showing exactly what is happening under the skin. There will be plenty of discussion and hands-on participation.
The course is a mix of theory and practical observation. It will look at common back problems experienced by horses and provide a great opportunity for discussion with like-minded saddle fitters.
There will also be a number of anatomical models and specimens available to study and we will discuss a range of saddle and bridle styles and designs.
Developing Palpation for Equestrian Professionals
Good palpation skills require a sound knowledge of anatomy, the ability to visualise what is under the skin and an understanding of how and what to feel.
Only once we can appreciate the norm, is it possible to detect subtle changes and abnormalities in the horse. Detecting changes early is key to preventing further problems. Accurate palpation enables us to deliver the best therapy techniques in each situation.
On this course, we evaluate the muscle, fascia, bones, tendons, attachment points and membranes that you can actually feel on the horse and with the help of bones, skeletons, anatomy models, anatomical paintings, dissection photos and videos enable you to clearly visualise what is happening under the skin.
You will also learn how to improve your sensory and intuitive palpation capability.
This course is ideal for qualified therapists from all disciplines wishing to revise and learn new anatomy, improve palpation skills and develop palpation techniques.
This course is a mix of theory, practical demonstrations and small group hands-on practical sessions. It also provides the opportunity to network, share information and discuss interesting or challenging cases with other practitioners in a relaxed and supportive environment.
As an equine anatomist having studied hundreds of horses, skeletons and cadavas through extensive dissection study Gillian's ability to palpate the anatomy of the horse is impressive and eye opening. There is so much for everyone to learn from her on this subject.
During this course, Gillian will examine the importance of anatomy, bones, joints, muscle, myofascial chains, fascial connections, compensation patterns and demonstrate methods for palpating structures.