Re: RC: clumsy horse and saddle problems

[Laney Humphrey <laneyh@mbay.net>]

Hi Jessica,
    Believe it or not, the stumbling and poor saddle
fit can be related.  But there are lots of other reasons for a horse
to stumble.  The most obvious are poor shoeing and conformation but
a saddle that pinches or otherwise restricts can cause it.  High heel/low
heel where one hoof grows toe and the other grows heel is a real tripping
factor.  I would suggest starting with the "easy" stuff first. 
Find a journeyman level farrier, particularly one trained in therapeutic
shoeing and have him/her evaluate the horse.  Keep looking for a saddle
that really fits.  Then have the horse checked out by a well trained
chiropractor (someone who uses only hands, never hammers or ropes) and
find an equine dentist who has the tools and knowledge to treat the entire
mouth.
Happy trails, Laney

Jessica Spoone wrote:

> I
> got my 4 yo qh/arab gelding back from the trainer a few weeks ago and am
> having 2 main problems with him.1.
> He is an absolute clutz. We're just doing some ring riding right now (walking
> and trotting) and it seems every couple of times around the ring he will
> stumble a little. Normally its not too bad but 2 nights ago I was almost
> thrown off because of it. It doesn't seem to be intereference, I've watched
> his action with somebody else on him and he doesn't "rap" himself. Are
> there any excersises I can do to make him watch his feet a little better?2.
> I am riding him in a western roundskirted saddle right now with a 7" gullet.
> I have also tried the Abetta arabian saddle on him too. The western is
> seems to press down too much on either side of his withers. The arabian
> saddle fit fairly nicely but wasn't wide enough. It looked like it sat
> up on his back too much. I don't have tons of money to buy 10 different
> saddles and everybody I know rides with a western like the one I have already.
> I plan on buying a Synergist asap (prolly after Christmas). Can anybody
> recomend another saddle to try that I won't have to spend a fortune on?  Jessica
> + Casino