Effective Saddlery
Grand Prix trainer Pamela Goodrich of Fostermeadow shares why she’s ridden in County saddles for 40 years and how the right fit makes a rider more effective.
CONNECTION CORNER
I have been training, teaching, coaching and competing in dressage for over 50 years. I still enjoy working out problems with horses and riders in this sport of education. I competed so much for so many years, that now I am getting students into the competition arena. I still compete my mare once or twice a year, so she has a record and to “test” the training in the arena in front of judges.
I met Gene Freeze in the early 1980’s, looking for a close contact saddle that helped with the big moving warmbloods. Thus, my introduction to the County Saddle and I am still riding in them, 40 years later. The County Saddle has evolved over the years as with all products, but the basic concept stays the same, comfort for the horse and rider and most importantly effectives of the rider to be able to communicate with the horse.
About the Author:
USDF Silver and Gold medalist, Pamela Goodrich has received numerous regional and National awards on over 20 horses she has trained to Grand Prix.
• Touch Stone was USDF Grand Prix Freestyle Champion
• Adriano competed in the Hamburg Derby in Germany
• Midas Touch competed in the World Games in Toronto
• Melville competed for the US in Quebec, Canada
She has coached riders who have won team Gold in the Pan American Games, competed in World Cup in S’Hertongenbosh, World Equestrian Games, as well as National Championships here in the US. Too numerous to count: JR/YR have competed at NAYRC, and several have gone on to Brentina Cup and Grand Prix .
**This picture is of my mare Evita winning her first Intermediare 1 this spring. I am riding in a very old County Perfection that fits her the best and allows me to be most effective when I ride her.