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Post by dressagepro on Jan 21, 2006 0:44:03 GMT 2
ok so iam having a lot of problems with saddling my horse. when i got him he was malnurished and was just bones and slowly he has gained weight and muscle but it will take years for his back muscle to grow back and i am havinga lot of trouble putting a saddle on him that isnt hurting him. every saddle either puts too much pressure on his spine, shoulders bones and pinches in his shoulder and back(where there is no muscle) ive tried using a lot of padding to comfort him but it just doesnt work! some how it always pinches. ihave gotten help from my trainers and everything and they think ill have to wait till he regains muscle but that means i cant show in the summer cuz he wont be able to wear a saddle..does anyone have any suggestions of pads or saddles that will help? thanks in advance!
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Post by SiMui on Jan 21, 2006 6:19:02 GMT 2
I'm not a pro on this subject at all and I am sure you'll get allot of help on Monday.. What I could suggest at the moment, is as your trainer said.. build more muscle tone first.. and I am also not a pro at showing but as far as I know sho horses are a bit on the plump side.. so I'd wait untill your baby is nice and round.. You don't want to put too much pressure on his back if there's little or no muscle tone as this might cause future problems for him. Other thing I would suggest is to get a saddle fitter out.. and maybe try the Wintec range of saddles as they have interchangeable gullets so you won't have to buy a new saddle as your horse pics up weight.. Where are the pro's when you need them.. D?? Annie?? Sal???
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Post by Chrissy on Jan 22, 2006 21:49:38 GMT 2
Firstly - get a saddle fitter out to fit a saddle to your horse. If that fails take a look at the Ansur range of saddles - they are treeless and much better for your horse's back but just as comfy if not more comfy than the average saddle. Also try and get a chiropractor out to make sure any previous saddles you have had on your horse hasn't caused damage.
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Post by dressagepro on Jan 22, 2006 22:20:08 GMT 2
we dont have any saddle fitters in the area i checked. the only option i have for professional saddle fitting is trailer my horse alllll the way to the place which is like 3 hours away and getting a saddle fitting. i dont really have the money for saddle that is like a thousand dollars or up...eventually i will buy a custom mad for my horse. where can i find Ansur range saddle? thank u for replyin!
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Post by **....laura.....** on Jan 22, 2006 23:00:06 GMT 2
i would wait until your horse has built more muscle until you try and fit a saddle, maybe his back is just not strong enough yet to carry a saddle. Start with ground work such as lunging equally on each rein, once he is lunging nicely attach side reins losly to the cavvesson to the surcingle. Once he is used to the side reins slowly make them tighter ONLY go as tightso the horse still has free movment of his head but it encourages him to work round, this will slowly help build the muscle in his back. Dont canter on the lunge at all just walk and a nice forward going flowing trot. You can also try long lining and do bending exersizes in the meantime, if you are comfortable even try and ride him bareback. Start off slowly, if you cant fit a saddle properly he cant be in ideal condition to show yet, wait until next summer and then he will look like a million dollers as you dont want to rush into things and mess his back up and then not be able to show him anyway.. hope this helps... Salinero knows loads and is a great help, i know there are loads of gadgets on the market but what ever advice she may give you is very helpfull
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Post by dressagepro on Jan 23, 2006 0:00:10 GMT 2
hey thank u for the ideas. i have been riding him in a circingle. i been lunging for at least 6 months and i decided to give riding in a circingle a try and it is working. i still do the lunging activities like u said. im really trying to get him to use all his muscles, neck, back, butt, and rib cage. is there certain exercises i can do that will really tone him up? like so far i have been just riding and really asking him to use all muscles but is there certain things i can do that will help regain muscle again? thank u! ohh if u wanna see pictures of how skinny my horse is u can go to community.webshots.com/album/439133944fbInUCthese are like 3-4 months ago..hes looking alot better now but still needs more work (pictures of Louie..thats my horse) thank u for the help guys i really needed it
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Post by Robyn on Jan 23, 2006 7:11:10 GMT 2
In the long run, getting out a qualified saddle fitter will be your best option- rather get a professional opinion now than a year or 2 down the line and find out that the problem has become worse. Also bear in mind that a saddle you may get now may have to be replaced later down the line as your horse has filled out. Try to avoid putting lots of padding under the saddle- it will only compound the problem and put additional pressure on his back. As you say, it will take along time to build muscle so continue with the lunging- maybe use a chambon? As laura said, if he's not ready to wear a saddle, don't force the issue. Rather concentrate on his muscle development first before addressing the saddle issue- it might be a long process but the rewards will be worth it
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Post by d on Jan 23, 2006 8:40:17 GMT 2
Build more muscle up before fitting. I had a similar problem and I worked my horse for about 6 months on the lunge before I got him a new saddle. I would also suggest getting a saddle like the wintec which is easily adjustable.
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Post by dressagepro on Feb 16, 2006 21:35:24 GMT 2
hey everyone i just wanted to update..i found this lovely product. its a foam saddle. and basically it looks and has all the features of a saddle but instead of a tree it is foam so it cant hurt the horses back. so far he seems to be doing very well in it and i can show low level classes in it so it seems to do the trick for now! anyone heard of these kind of saddles?
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Post by Salinero on Feb 17, 2006 6:42:47 GMT 2
No. Do you have a picture? What is the name? Where did you get it?
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Post by tigz on Feb 17, 2006 9:39:15 GMT 2
Sounds interesting, post a link please!!!
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LUVLaratreun
Yearling
Fly like an eagle, my boy...
Posts: 107
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Post by LUVLaratreun on Feb 18, 2006 18:45:16 GMT 2
Ok my opinion: Firstly if you can afford it - get a pro fitted saddle. But remember, because his back is developing he will outgrow it soon and you'll have to get a new saddle. I think you should get a pony pad if you can't find anything else. They fit any horse and they might be difficult to ride in but it will encourage your horse to use his back to support you more and will teach you some balancing skills ;D. you won't be able to show in it though.
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Post by dressagepro on Feb 19, 2006 19:16:33 GMT 2
sorry guys i dont have any sites. my coach bought it for the barn for the horses temporary use when they dont fit their saddles then she suggested it for me and i loved it. i dont even know the brand! haha ill try to find pics of wat one looks like tho. she got it from the states i believe..i will try to find more info tho
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Post by dressagepro on Apr 1, 2006 17:41:18 GMT 2
hey everyone im just updated...i ended up buying the saddle..its worked really well! ive been able to work on my position in the saddle and he has had no problems with fitting because of course its foam..its comfy as well! the ONLY problem i have had..slightly was that it tends to slide back a little bit after the canter.. but anyways i found the site if u wanna look at it.. www.cashelcompany.com/pageshop.php?catnumber=XSOFTmines black...not purple..lol and i was gunna see if eventually i could get like a leather cover! wat do yea guys think..
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Post by kiepie on Apr 1, 2006 21:12:47 GMT 2
Oosh, funky! That actually looks quite comfy!
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