Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

To me that's not hunter's bump when it is *directly under the rear of  
the saddle* but sheer spinal pressure from lack of any width in the  
gullet back there.  A very serious problem.

I agree with Ed, short of getting a new saddle, use a firm felt pad  
(usually available in western or barrel cuts) and do a careful  
cutout--watch out where the "edges" are, you want as much surface  
contact still under your saddle as possible, just clearing the spinal  
processes and at least a finger's width on either side of the spine.

Lynne

On Mar 6, 2007, at 9:40 AM, bluwolf@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> Mike,
>
> Do not use a donut to pad the area - it will increase pressure  
> around the site and cause other issues with skin breakdown!  You  
> can cut out a portion of an otherwise thick pad to protect the site  
> if it is irritated, assuming you can't lay the horse off for a while.
>
> More importantly, learn why he has developed this deformity.  It's  
> often called a "hunter's bump".  My husband's old horse had  
> developed this after some time doing distance work and increased  
> distances.  Our chiropracter/vet told us many years ago that in  
> Major's case, it was from subluxation as he worked to lengthen his  
> tro & overstride.
>
> Mike (hubby) gave him 4 months off over the winter, then rode him  
> in a less forceful trot, stated using the canter a bit more.  He  
> learned some stretching techniques to use on Major's legs, and  
> suppling with spiral in/spiral out & serpentine exercise.  (The did  
> serpentines on the trail by weaving pine trees at a hard trot - and  
> Mike still has his knees caps!)
>
> Major never completely lost the bump, but we were able to control  
> the issue.
>
> Linda

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