Sloping backs and SS saddles

MBlanchrd@aol.com
Thu, 23 Jan 1997 13:41:09 -0500 (EST)

I would like to thank every one who wrote to me and gave me Sharon Saare's
address. Thank you, all, for your help!

Someone mentioned something about downward sloping backs and the problems
fitting saddles to them. I am an equine massage therapist, and while I will
not mention a specific breed, I call that type of conformation an "Impressive
back". The breed, and that specific conformational DEFECT, is my bread and
butter as a therapist. (along with the problems their eenyteeny feet they
also were bred for cause).
It looks nice, I suppose (not to me, but then, I am old fashioned) but
it's not a very good back when it comes to packing a saddle and rider.
Compare photos of horses of that breed thirty years ago-nice, level, STRONG
backs, that could carry a western saddle and rider all day long. Now the poor
things look like they are standing with their forefeet in a hole. I can
honestly say, I make a lot of money massaging horses with this type of back.

This is my humble opinion. I do not mean to hammer anybody who is breeding
for
this type of conformation. Please, I don't want e mail from some rabid fan of
the breed, frothing at the mouth and telling me I am an idiot who "don't know
squat about horses". Perhaps the breed could benefit from a little
constructive criticism. I DO know squat about horses, and I do know what a
good back looks like. As long as people are breeding for sloping backs, I
will make money massaging their hurting horses.

Again Thanks, and that's my two cents worth, whatever it may be worth.

Michelle