ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] saddles
Re: [endurance] saddles
RUN4BEAR@aol.com
Sat, 18 Nov 1995 14:41:12 -0500
Yes, your horse's back changes both seasonally, and with fittness and age.
That's why pads. In reality, if all saddles were perfectly fit all the time
and horses never sweat, you wouldn't need a pad. But horses do sweat
(ruining leather, etc.) and their backs do change and hardly any saddle is
absolutely perfect for any horse. I believe less is better, but the longer I
ride, the more important it is. If you are a backpacker, it's okay to get a
backpack from K-Mart for the short hauls, but if your goal is to hike the
appalachian trail, you'd better start getting serious about fit and comfort.
Unfortunately, horses can't talk and tell us what pads and saddles feel
good, but we can learn to read them through their reactions, both
physiological and mental. The horseperson who is serious about fit and pads
will keep a close eye on what is happening and base changes in equipment on
the reactions the horse shows. There are so many "therapudic" pads on the
market. I have tried few (my saddles fit quite well) so my theory is to keep
it simple. I am sure some of these therpudic pads are very good for solving
some problems, but don't let them be a crutch or the absolute solution. Good
common horse sense is the best answer.
Teddy Lancaster/Running Bear Farm