Owner and Head Fitter, North Carolina, Tasida Kiley
Look, you are after the meaty bits of who I am and if I'm qualified to help your horse, so let's just get to it. 40+ years a multidisciplinary equestrian with a passion for improving soundness through correct riding and great fitting tack. A lifetime of horsemanship is a prerequisite to becoming a competent saddle fitter, and I was blessed with world class instruction from my early years. I grew up in the back of vet hospitals and show barns; the scientific process has infiltrated the way I think and navigate life. It wasn’t until my adulthood that I even realized the caliber of education I’ve been afforded and continue to seek. I am mentored in riding by international classical authority, Patrice Edwards; a custodian of the Training Teachers of Tomorrow Trust. A group that includes names like the late Charles deKunffy, Arthur Kottas, Stephen Clarke, and Herwig Radnetter.
The relevant coursework never ends. There's a requirement with the Society that I take about 20 hours of continuing education annually in order to remain registered, and on average, I do about triple that. Because much like so many things with horses, you can never know enough. So I think that really, what has prepared me the most for the profession as a saddle fitter, is a deep love of horses and the ability to find the right people, and the guts to ask difficult questions.
Biomechanics is a “popular term” tossed around these days, many times without restraint or understanding. But globally there is a short list of experts that are universally respected and revered. I’ve attended continuing education with the following: Dr. Sue Dyson, Gillian Higgins, Dr. Russell Guire of Centaur Biomechanics, Jillian Krinebring, Lorre Mueller, Celeste Lazaris, Dr. Jenny Hagan, and Ula Krzanowska. The musculoskeletal systemic principles that govern the posture, and healthy locomotion of the horse are a particular passion of mine and a key component to how I fit and design saddles, and tack.
I'm a registered member of the Society of Master Saddlers, am MSA certified, as well as serving as a mentor for the North American Saddlery School course attendees. I attend more continuing education than is probably considered socially acceptable. At any given time, can be immersed in new product development with multiple brands that improve the lives of horses and riders. I've had a lot of fun helping underrepresented European brands break into the US market, and as a result you may find unfamiliar names in our store, but rest assured they do not skimp on quality or luxury and are destined to be the next big thing.
I also love giving back to the equestrian community and frequently can be spotted teaching tack fitting to universities, pony clubs and private group member organizations. I serve all equestrians from hobbyists to several equestrians that proudly represent our country.