Equitopia Center

**No Foot, No Horse** As part of our ongoing investigation into the whole horse/whole rider landscape, one of the webinars for our April content for members will feature Yogi Sharp of The Equine Documentalist. Yogi will be sharing his perspective on assessing your horse's hoof via external reference points in line with the ideal.... As mentioned in our previous posts, there is still a lot of research needed in the field of hoof care and our approach is to present the perspectives of some of the leading authorities in the subject matter. As always, each horse's situation is uniquely specific in ways that cannot be generalized - history of how feet have been trimmed, genetics, disease etc., so any information we share still needs some critical thinking for how this applies to your own situation:) Again, this is the first of two webinars which are free for members paying the $4.95/month or $49.50/year (www.equitopiacenter.com/members) or are available as stand alone purchases for $15.00

**The Horse's Myofascial Lines - New Research** As part of our monthly content, we deliver a Research Revealed piece which takes some of the very academic and technical research reports and summarizes their findings in language that is more relatable to owners and professionals interested in learning more about how interconnected and important everything is when it comes to successful horse and rider interactions. It is becoming clearer and clearer that even the stuff you did...n’t think was connected like liver function and vertebral balance is connected read about this new research and be amazed! If you are not already a member, we invite you to risk a whopping $4.95/month or $49.50/year to evaluate the information we investigate to see how it might positively influence your horse life:) www.equitopiacenter.com/membership

**Saddle Fit Webinar Tomorrow** Things to remember: Saddle fit is complex and still needs a lot of research - however, it is not an isolated component of a horse being comfortable - it must all work together.... A proper fitting saddle is essential as it is the bridge that either allows or doesn't allow correct horse and rider posture to happen. The price/brand of the Saddle and the Fit of the saddle for horse and rider are not related. Saddle Fit theory and the successful application of said theory are two different things Ultimately, each situation is specific in so many ways, that the specific person (not just their credentials, knowledge or experience) is the KEY to a successful outcome. As such, the owner/rider MUST have enough knowledge or awareness to evaluate who that person will be and sufficient knowledge to differentiate between what is a saddle fit problem and what is not a saddle fit problem (rider or horse posture deficit, pain, hoof imbalance, disease etc.) Join us tomorrow to get a little bit of help in getting to that point when Equitopia's Independent Saddle Fitter and Researcher, Georgie Welge, offers some basic insights into how you might know whether or not your saddle fits at any given time. Free for members paying the $4.95/month or $49.50/year (www.equitopiacenter.com/membership) or $10.00 as a standalone. Link on website under "Events"

**Harmonious Relationships with Horses Opinion vs Reality** It is interesting to observe the number of very strong opinions that come up in response to certain blog posts that hit people emotionally and either challenge or support their presently held beliefs, some of which are more and some of which are less underpinned with factual or reasonable supporting evidence. When it comes to an approach to training horses where their mental and physical well being is a priority, i...Continue reading

A live event in New Zealand for anyone within traveling distance of Darfield.

**What's new for us in 2021** We hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and the upcoming New Year. We are planning some exciting new features, events, courses and content for 2021 so keep an eye out for details via our FB page or newsletter:)... For January, we are delighted to kick off the New Year with Dr. Sue Dyson speaking about further research and studies that have been undertaken on the 24 Behaviors study and course (https://www.equitopiacenter.com//how-to-recognize-the-24-/). This will take place on 14th January and there will be the usual Q&A session afterwards. Following that on 28th January, we will have a second webinar with UK Based trainer Yasmin Stuart. This webinar will talk about conformation vs posture. It is so important to recognize what your horse's conformation will and will not allow him/her to accomplish when it comes to posture. Look forward to continuing our journey with you and you horses. Thanks so much to all of our supporters - we are very grateful for your enthusiasm to learn and navigate the information with us!

So excited to have Dr. Sue Dyson as one of our consultants. Her work is truly groundbreaking. Don't forget to sign up for our webinar tomorrow where she will share the impact of and revelations from her research. https://www.equitopiacenter.com//webinar-with-dr-sue-dyson/

**Getting your older Horse through Winter** Our blog from this time last year as a reminder of tips for keeping your older horse healthy through winter. SOME SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR GETTING YOUR OLDER HORSE THROUGH THE WINTER... While there are many vibrant active older horses there are equally as many who look tired, whose coats no longer have luster and who act as though they are biding their time. Whether your older horse is still full of life or not looking quite as he did in his youth, winter is probably the older horse’s toughest season............ https://www.equitopiacenter.com/getting-your-older-horse-t/

**Monthly Blog Post for Members** As part of our $4.95/month or $49.50 per year membership program, one of the features is a multi-part blog post. This month, one of our consultants, Author and Trainer, Jec Bellou, shares some insights on the benefits of walk work. More on our membership program here: https://www.equitopiacenter.com/membership/