Ridecamp: [RC] Sport saddle question

I have a six year old endurance prospect.  He has only done a 25 and a 30 
miler this year.  And he did just fine,  no problems at all - just overly 
energetic even afterwards.
I've been just doing alot of training on him this summer.   I'm riding in a 
SS with a skitto pad.
What I have found.... I have been taking him out three days a week and no 
less than an hour and a half and no more than 3 1/2 hours.
I have taken him on flat and hilly terrain.
The other day a friend and I went on a 6 1/2 hour difficult ride.  It was 
quite hilly.  He came home with a very sore back.
Lower back.  He traveled beautifully all day.  He never felt stretched out 
or anything - he gave to the bit etc.
When taking the saddle off,  it left a uniform sweat pattern.
He did have a couple of heat bumps.
Now,  I'm wondering if it is a matter of conditioning and the 6 hour ordeal 
was too much too soon or if it could be the saddle or what?
Someone else suggested slowly increasing the time frame.  Like take him out 
for 4 hours then 5 then 6 etc.

I love my SS saddle and it seems to fit him quite well.  It does slide back 
and forth and I need to use a crupper with it.   If I didn't use a crupper 
on it,   I would probably be on his neck going down steep hills.
If the hills are very long,  I get off and walk or jog.
Any suggestions, input etc?....
Cindi


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