Staying Rational April 25, 2008
Posted by kimayars Ramblings
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, trackback
I’ve begun the process of trying to find out what’s going on with Tigger’s back. Some days he’s sore, and the soreness seems to correspond directly with him bolting as soon as I get settled in the saddle. More than likely it’s a saddle fit issue. I have a Wintec saddle that fit him like a glove when I bought him. Since then he’s packed on some muscle and his topline has changed just enough so the Wintec pinches him just above the shoulders. It barely clears his withers now, so a wider gullet will run the saddle right into him, which will hurt worse. It’s time to shop for a new saddle.
I had a Neidersuss Olympik saddle with my previous horse. She was much wider than Tigger, and the saddle had a wide tree. It was so big on Tigger that I knew it would never fit him., so I sold it on consignment. But I loved that saddle. It was the 10th saddle I tried and it was a slam dunk.
It turns out that the same consignment store has a Neidersuss Olympik in a medium tree. Hmmm… I picked it up this week to try it out, and it fits pretty good. There is a slight pressure point in the front and back, but it’s definitely not bridging. There is more room in the shoulders for him than the Wintec. I’m going to keep it until Monday for my trainer to look at. Hopefully she’ll give it a thumbs up.
I also had a chirpractor out to see him on Thursday. She confirmed what I had hoped: There’s nothing wrong with his alignment. She did a few adjustments on his neck and lower back, but overall she said he was in really good shape. His back did not appear to be sore that day. When I ran my fingers along his spine his back did not spasm. A good sign…
My problem is this: I keep blowing this thing WAY out of proportion. I have to keep reminding myself it’s probably just the saddle. But what if it isn’t? What if he really does have some sort of chronic problem that I’m completely overlooking? Additionally, the best way to test my theories is to try certain things (Pamela gave me some great advice on stretching) and then get on him. But I’m so anxious now about his bolting. I mean, he did throw me once. I really don’t want that to happen again. Luckily I have Sherene who keeps me grounded.
I have a big “thing” this weekend, and then we’ll be back to a more regular riding schedule. I felt like I had to decompress after the show, but now I’m just a bit too busy to squeeze the time in. Next week will be much diffeent. Plus, the weather is going to be so much nicer!
Comments
I think that as a horse owner, everyone wonders if the “little thing” is going to turn into a big thing. I worry all the time that my OTTB`s track training is going to catch up with him, that he`ll get arthritis super early, or wind galls or ??? So I chalk up all the worrying to “it’s just because I love him!”. So try to keep telling yourself that and that in all likelyhood he will be ok with a new saddle
Hi there! I new to the site and wanted to introduce myself. I am a horseback rider as well - dressage and eventing. Started training for my first triathlon this year. Its hard to train for that and train two horses every day. Some days my back gives out!! The issues with have with our four-legged children is a constant battle isnt it? I just got a new event horse and I have had about 5 different saddles on him - short little thing that he is!!! I hope your guy works out all his kinks. Its amazing how the smallest thing can make a world of difference.
Cheers
Tiffany
Thought I would catch up on reading some other blogs. Can I be honest and say your horse language is completely greek to me. There are so many words that go over my head, even the seemingly common deessage…what does that mean?
Hope Tigger helps you find the right saddle for him, over reacting or not you are a great horse mom.
Keep up the great running workouts too, you have a nice way of telling the story of a workout.