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Central Illinois R.I.D.E. Events

Saddle Fit Workshop
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Meet Kristina & Erika from Hudson's Tack & More

At Hudson’s Tack & More, we love all things horses and are here to help riders of all levels learn, grow, and have fun. Our workshops aren’t just about education—they’re about connecting with people who share your passion, led by pros who really know their stuff.


Kristina, General Manager at Hudson’s Tack & More
Kristina is a saddle-fitting wizard with over 200 fittings under her belt. She knows her way around Western, Endurance, Gaited, and English saddles and is a go-to expert for brands like Bates, Arena, and Wintec. She’s also a Certified Natural Horsemanship Trainer and has been rescuing and retraining horses for over 12 years. With 40+ years of riding experience, Kristina enjoys trail rides and liberty groundwork with her herd of seven horses.


Erika, Reynolds Equine Massage Therapy
Erika is an Equine Massage Therapist who specializes in keeping horses happy and healthy with trigger point therapy and leg work. She’s an avid trail rider, loves camping with her four horses, and is passionate about bitless training. Erika has over 40 years of riding experience and approaches training with a Natural Horsemanship mindset. She and Kristina have been riding buddies for nearly a decade and teamed up on saddle fittings in 2024.


Come join us for hands-on learning, real talk, and plenty of horse stories. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, you'll leave with new skills and a whole lot of inspiration!

What to Expect

Our Saddle Fitting Workshop is a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience designed to help riders, trainers, and horse owners gain a deeper understanding of proper saddle fit, equine biomechanics, and equipment selection. Whether you ride English or Western, this workshop will provide valuable insights tailored to your needs, with the flexibility to focus on one discipline more than the other based on attendees' interests.

Workshop Overview
The workshop will run for approximately 3,5 hours, including breaks. You’ll gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience to help ensure both you and your horse are comfortable, balanced, and performing at your best.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ Introduction to Saddle Fitting – Understanding how saddle fit impacts horse health and performance.

✅ Basic Horse Anatomy Related to Saddle Fit – Identifying key pressure points and movement considerations.

✅ Saddle Anatomy & Structure – Exploring saddle parts, including gullets, trees, and skirting, and how they affect fit.

✅ Recognizing Signs of Poor Saddle Fit – Behavioral indicators and troubleshooting common saddle-related issues.

✅ Proper Saddling Techniques – Ensuring a secure, balanced, and pain-free fit for your horse.

✅ Saddle Sizing for Riders – Finding the correct seat size and fit for your comfort and balance.

✅ Choosing and Fitting Saddle Pads – Understanding how materials, thickness, and design affect comfort.

✅ Fitting Cinches/Girths, Breast Collars & Rear Cinches – Learning proper placement and adjustments for optimal performance and safety.

✅ Equine Bodywork for Pre & Post Ride – Led by a Certified Equine Massage Therapist, this segment will focus on bodywork techniques to promote muscle recovery, prevent soreness, and enhance overall well-being.

✅ Q&A Session – A chance to ask individualized questions and get expert advice on your specific saddle fit challenges.

This interactive workshop is perfect for riders of all levels, providing valuable takeaways that can improve comfort, performance, and overall horse well-being. We look forward to helping you and your horse achieve a better, more comfortable ride! 
Let us know if you have any specific questions or areas you'd like to focus on during the workshop.

Date: Saturday July 19th, 2025 from 9 AM to 12:30 PM

Location: Pekin Riding Club - Clubhouse at 11401 IL-29, Pekin, IL 61554

Price: $35 per Person

Registration Deadline: Registration will be open until the class is full

Cancellation Policy: Non-Refundable, unless cancelled by the organizer. 


Join us for an event that embodies the CI Ride values of Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence. Participants can expect an environment that aligns with these principles, fostering a positive and uplifting experience. We kindly ask all attendees to uphold these values throughout the event to ensure a fun atmosphere for everyone.


Register Now