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You make some very interesting points about saddle fit, Truman.  Ones 
that owners of non-TWHs should also keep in mind!  It is so often true 
that lots of money will get spent on buying and keeping a horse healthy 
and fit.  In my mind, the more that is spent up front - on buying a well 
put together & sane horse but also on buying tack that really fits - 
means less will be required later in trainer & vet bills!
Laney

Truman Prevatt wrote:
> Bruce Weary wrote:
> > The Tennessee Walking horse is an interesting breed and 100% Made in 
> > the USA. He is comprised of various breeds, including the extinct 
> > Naragansett Pacer, the Canadian Pacer, the Morgan, Standardbred, 
> > Thoroughbred, and American Saddlebred. I have owned several, and 
> > campaigned them successfully in endurance riding. They can be very 
> > tough, have a great work ethic, and are generally very good minded 
> > horses, with an affinity for people and children. Some can be trippy, 
> > although I am becoming convinced that saddle fit at the shoulder is 
> > often the culprit.
> Important in the walker development was stock that had a "driving horse 
> conformation" as many of the foundation horses were off the trotting 
> track. In the unique gait of the walker requires a "loose shoulder" with 
> the horse "rolling over the shoulder" as he moves. Many walkers while 
> wide at the shoulder have a fairly steep pitch at the wither. Most 
> saddles do not differentiate between the pitch and width at the 
> shoulder. That is a wide tree comes from a flat tree and a narrow tree 
> comes from a steep pitch. What many walkers need is a wide tree with a 
> steep pitch. It is difficult to find - especially in the inexpensive 
> saddles. An ill fitting saddle I suspect is the single biggest issue 
> with walkers that are not sure footed. Finding the correct saddle for my 
> mare was one of the most difficult challenges I had. That was before RP 
> - who does recognize the subtle difference between pitch and width at 
> the shoulder. I ended up with a custom saddle for her. After I got the 
> saddle made, she was the most sure footed horse I have ever had the 
> pleasure to ride. The other issue I believe is the way they are shod. 
> For some reason many people think walkers need a lot of toe. The toe 
> doesn't help the gait, it makes them trip and puts stress on the tendons.
>
> > Although most of us would be too vain to admit it, humans are very 
> > much like the horse in that we are "herd oriented." Most of us "follow 
> > the crowd" at one time or another, and I'm guessing that the 
> > ridiculous treatment of Walkers in the show world is a result of 
> > people just unthinkingly doing the same things as their predecessors. 
> > Those same folks probably wonder how we dare ride a horse 100 miles in 
> > a day, and may view it as torturous. 
> I suspect there is more truth in that statement than most want to admit.
> > IMHO, the best way to prevent the soring and other painful measures 
> > inflicted on the TWH, is to seek out a good one and bring it home with 
> > you.
> > A nice, long, smooth, spook free ride along the countryside is a 
> > wonderful way to enjoy another facet of riding and get your head 
> > screwed back on straight for Monday morning.
> Amen
>
> Truman


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