We had a good schooling session; his canter is getting steadily better – in spite of an apparent problem with my saddle's fit.
For the last week or two – at least; I'm not sure – I've noticed a bump on Lance's spine when I untack him, just beyond the base of his withers pretty much at the lowest point of his back. It's not sensitive to palpation, but it can't be a good thing. The lump goes away after a few hours, but comes back during every ride. I've tried different saddle pads, I've used my fleece numnah instead of the Corrector, I've tried various combinations of shims in the Corrector, but the lump is still there after each ride.
I'm afraid I may need a different saddle, but my favorite saddle fitter/maker isn't going to be in the area anytime soon. I don't want to embark on a saddle hunt without his input (along with my husband's and my favorite instructor's). Neither do I want to cause any damage or discomfort to Lance, this horse I am attached to beyond reason. He doesn't deserve that; no horse does. I'm thinking being gone for a week may be a good thing....
9 comments:
Glad you didn't get 'pinched' ;-). Saddle fit...
Having spent most of Saturday with a colicky horse and Saturday evening at the vet clinic where he informed me that I had caught the impaction colic (our second bout in 18 months. This is not a testament to my horse management skills) early enough that it was a "non-event," but still worrisome (I told Huey, "Shame on you for scaring your mama like that"), I read your title and thought, OH NO! Not another health problem.
Was happy to read it was "just the saddle." (Laughing hysterically here). Saddle fit is a BUG, and most of the saddle fitters I've dealt with in the past several years do NOT receive glowing recommendations. They do not work well with adult amateurs with budgets. Of course, they don't realize that they'll make a nice living working with that demographic because the big name deep pockets riders are quite rare.
Good luck with the fitter.
I'd be concerned about the saddle fit too. Hope your saddle fitter is in the area soon. There must be pressure going on there. Ouch.
Oh, I'm so glad Huey is okay! I did email my instructor (who I haven't gotten to work with in several years) and she knows a local (I think) saddle fitter who works well with the kind of saddle I have. That said, my saddle was purchased specifically for Russell, who had a very different back than Lance does. The saddler I linked to is GREAT, but lives in TX and travels less than he used to after a back wreck in his rig.
I know; right? I might just ride Lance bareback today!
Wish my HORSE wasn't getting 'pinched'!
Bare back is good!!
Ugh, saddle fitting,it can be such a struggle.
It took me forever to get Cooper and Dandy fitted well and after 10 plus years, the saddles still work for them, but we went through a number of them getting there...which reminds me, I need to move along Nick's old saddle, a nice original Ortho-flex dressage model.
Safe trip Michelle. Prayers for the best possible for your Dad.
Just thinking of you and wishing all good things for your dad. Hugs!
Post a Comment