NO BACK, NO HORSE.
The right fit for your horse
Many horses are sore in their backs or hampered in their movement because of a poorly fitted saddle.
An unbalanced saddle throws the rider off balance, which makes it impossible for the horse to carry him well.
A saddle must fit the horse without pinching, rocking, creating pressure points or pressing on the horses spine. This means that the tree must be the right width and shape for the horses back.
I listed some indicators that show you that your horses back may be sore.
- Your horse pins his ears when you try to throw the saddle pad on his back, or as you approach him with the saddle.
- When you tighten the cinch, he shows his irritation by nipping at you, or lifting a hind leg as though to kick.
- When you prepare to mount, he threatens to bite you, or quickly steps away.
- When you shift your weight from side to side in the saddle he throws his head and pins his ears.
- When working in the arena, he is stiff and resists bending.
- When you try to collect him, he shows his irritation by swishing his tail and moving with short, quick steps.
- The longer you ride, the more he fights you, exhibiting any or all of the above signs of soreness.
- When you press along his back after riding, he winces or drops his back away from your touch.
If you have used a saddle for a long time and suddenly discover an open sore, carefully check the bottom of the saddle.
Sores can be caused by a broken tree, or perhaps a nail or staple that has worked its way loose and is digging into your horses back.
An incorrectly reflocked saddle can cause sores if used on a longer ride. Also check your saddle pad for wrinkles or foreign objects, such as burrs.
We should always support our horses back. They carry us, sometimes for hours. Horses need a good fitting saddle, a good pad which offers extra support. If we equip our horses with the right and good fitted tack, we will have a healthy, happy and well performing horse.
NO BACK, NO HORSE.