I, too, rode Mcclellans for years and LOVED them. They fit me well and I
cold ride balanced. But, not all horses can sue them. They have a
realtively narrow tree and it they fit, they are wonderful.
The bottom line with back problems is that we are all searching for someone
else to solve our problems. In reality, more people should take dressage
lessons and be put in front of a judge in an equitation class. Just because
you can stay on and ride alday without hurting doesn't mean you have the
skills it takes to be the best rider you can be.
I have read for the last 20 years many articles on the benefits of dressage
and centered riding, yet few are listening. The best riders (the Valerie
Kanavys and the Nina Warrens) are practicing all the time. There is ALWAYS
room for improvement.
"He who is not busy being born, is busy dying:" Dylan Thomas
Do some ring work, supple yourself and your horses. There is really a true
basis in value to what has now become a farce inthe show ring. It is just
too bad the too many show riders can't ride either. Perhaps we can all learn
from each other. All we need to do is listen, keep and open mind, and try
what we haven't tried before.
So much for my soapbox.
Teddy Lancaster
Running Bear Farm, Inc.