Keeping your performance horse’s back comfortable over time can be tricky. On November 19, Ecogold hosted a panel of equine professionals to discuss common issues that contribute to back soreness in sport horses and what to do about them.
Watch Improving Back Soundness for the Performance Horse
Equine veterinarian Dr Lauren Davang, saddle fitter Krista Schneider, and equine massage therapist Michelle Skawronski shared their best practices for fitting a growing horse, how to care for a senior horse’s back, and what to do once your horse’s back has already become sore. Learn about equipment aimed to help prevent soreness, like shimmable saddle pads and understanding how high-density foam aids in back protection.Â
Get to know our presenters:Â
Dr Lauren Davang – Equine Veterinarian
Dr. Davang is an equine veterinarian who graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, class of 2017. She practices at Collier Equine Vet Services in Waller, Texas. Dr. Davang is an avid barrel racer, and a card holding member of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. She’s also a director at Gulf Coast Barrel Racing Association. In addition, her family raises Quarter horses focusing on barrel racing prospects.Â
Michelle Skawronski – Equine Massage Therapist, Greater Strides Equine
Michelle Skawronski is a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist, becoming certified through Texas Equissage in November 2018. Her business, Greater Strides Equine, is based in the Cypress Texas area. She became an Ecogold rep in the fall of 2019 when she discovered the pads were a natural extension of the massage work in being extremely beneficial for horse comfort and prevention of muscle soreness. She and her mare Ellie enjoy showing in ranch riding and also go to the occasional cattle sorting.Â
Krista Schneider – Saddle FitterÂ
Krista Schneider is a saddle fitter and sales rep for Butet Saddle Midwest. She specially chose Butet Saddle for their superb craftsmanship, comfort, and most importantly, their quality in fit for the equine back. Butet saddles are uniquely handcrafted in Sumar, France. The premium leather is chosen of the highest quality increasing comfort and best contact. Saddles can be fully customized for both the rider and horse.
Patricia Da Silva – Ecogold president
Patricia is the president of Ecogold, an industry leader and developer of innovative saddle pads engineered to provide comfort and protection for the performance horse. Selected as one of 25 of the most revolutionary leaders in the equestrian world by the Equestrian Trailblazers Summit, she is also a multiple nominee and winner of Equestrian Social Media Awards, and the recipient of Equestrian Canada’s Media Award. Patricia is a well-known voice for innovative ideas in the equestrian industry.
