An important point to consider is that most saddles and trees are designed ergonomically. Imperfect saddle fit happens due aging, training styles, injuries, and incorrect saddle fittings. Horses’ backs can change weekly due to exercise, weight changes, riding and even just playing around in the pasture. Therefore, expecting to find a “perfect fit” is a complicated matter.
There are wonderfully talented artisans and saddle fitters who can reflock saddles for you and fit them beautifully at that moment in time… but what happens to the horses’ back in the following three months is out of their control.
The saddle may look balanced, but still be sitting with its tree too deep around the horse. This won't cause pain, but will inhibit forward movement , causing your horse's muscles to fatigue faster. If the saddle is imbalanced and binding your horse, you may be in for a very disagreeable ride. I always tell my riders, let your horse tell you if they are happy. If your horse moves better after a change, or behaves in a more relaxed way then that’s your answer! All the scientific studies, marketing arguments and opinions do not equal what the horse has to say. He is the one wearing the saddle - and he didn't read the memo!
Next – there are many people who just have a “trail buddy” with limited finances to invest, but still want the very best for their four-legged friend. So often the mindset is “I don’t want to show, I just love to ride and enjoy my horse so I don’t need to train him in a special way”. However, even a trail horse must work a certain way to keep in optimum health for his “job”.
Due to the design of a horse’s body, they are not structurally sound in the “barrel” area. This, combined with the fact that Nature made the horse to simply walk along and graze, makes the horse’s back vulnerable. Pasture time is wonderful for horses, but if they aren’t playing and staying active, it’s no different than standing in a stall – just like you sitting in a chair all day at work!
As your horse ages, it’s even more important that she gets regular exercise! “Retiring” her to pasture with no work at all can be worse for her than continuing to ride. So note that riding may not be TOTALLY the answer – a lunging program takes only a few minutes a week but can really make the difference in how your aged horse feels and acts and of course in maintaining that vital topline.
A rider affects how a horse uses its body. Just carrying the extra weight makes the horse use his muscles differently. Therefore ground exercise is important to redevelop lost muscle mass, or keep existing condition. (So even better, you can skip going to the gym since you’re both working out together!)
Contact me today to learn about an evaluation for both YOU and YOUR HORSE! It’s more affordable than you think!
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