Ridecamp: [RC] Sore Backs

Aaaah - the never ending problems.  There are so many 
variables in getting a horses back I suggest that you 
get a copy of a book called "Understanding the Horses 
Back" by Sarah Wyche (sp? the book is still packed up).  
I certainly read it cover to cover and followed a lot of 
the advice.  

I definitely have the same issues with Beau, and I'll 
probably always have the same issues because he's 
naturally dippy in the back by the virture of genetics.  
His dam had a real sway back, but was the smoothest 
riding horse you ever could ride on, and Beau seems to 
have picked up that trait.  (Yeah, Heidi, I'll admit it, 
but I won't stop riding my horse.... and he's a 
gelding....)


Besides saddle fit - the major bugaboo - there are so 
many other things to consider.  Like farrier work.  I 
had also been given the advice not to ride the horse for 
several months until the back is strengthened by lounge 
work.  "Horse in bondage" techniques a la Linda 
Tellington-Jones have been very helpful, too.

I think there is something to be said for the European 
methods of bringing a horse along slowly.  But then 
again, Beau's back seems to be the best when I'm able to 
do a lot of slow uphill canter work!

Best of luck.  I could go into more detail ad nauseum, 
but part of the fun of owning horses is finding your own 
path with your own particular horse.

K.


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