Re: SS loin rubs---I know not again!!

[carl meyer <carlmey@citrus.infi.net>]

Hi Rae..

Regarding the loin rubs : in talking to another competitor last fall,
she was noticing loin hair rubs as her horse grew longer hair..they
did not show up when he was slick and smooth...I can't remember if it
was a Sport Saddle or not....had you considered this factor? Is he at
all tender or ouchy in ANY way? Getting on, getting off;  is he travel-
ing true, etc. If nothing has changed except the loin rubs, and you've
been happy with the saddle before, you might just keep an eye of "watch-
ful neglect" on things and be ever aware of ANY other unusual sign of
possible discomfort..(.I ignored these signs with my gelding using a 
S.S. and really created discomfort for him and  wasted a 100 mi. ride
effort when we were forced to pull at 91 miles as his back was so sore.
He never ran worse than 5th place (in very good company) all day and 
into the night, but didn't go anywhere..he stayed in the same place 
throughout; WHAT HEART!..I felt like such a dummy when I finally diag-
nosed the problem..I've apologized to him many times). Since taking that
particular saddle off of him, and going back to the WONDERFUL Stonewall,
using the padding appropriate for his particular conformation (hi/low
shoulder) and for the saddle, we've been in heaven! This is not to put
down the S.Saddle...but over the long distances, in the heat, and with
my horse, it didn't work....I have it for sale, by the way, along with
2 1" Equilizer pads, all in good condition...14 1/2" seat, stirrups set
back, 3" cantle, raised pommel, black ; $695 plus shipping...I now have
2 Stonewalls: a 301 model (discontinued - it's an english style cutback)
and a 400 model (401 I think..can't locate brochure at this moment,but
it rides and fits the same, but has a highish pommel..we had our custom-
ized by having it made with 1" off the pommel)..this saddle will "hang"
you in the perfect balanced position..'tis wonderful...and I love the
fenders too..didn't have them on the other model; used neopreme wraps
which, by the way, came on my Sport Saddle..I secure them with black
electrical tape; works great...other wise, to stop the rubbing from the
stirrup "leathers", one has to cover them in a fleece tubing (which will
wear out rapidly I find, and/or go to $99 a pair Ariat half-chaps...THEY
are great; and take a beating...just had my first pair patched for $22
at Tack Shack in Ocala..)...back to the fenders: I can actually ride
and gallop my gelding, American Express, (not always an easy ride) with-
out wearing my half-chaps and without rubbing....cool!

Information is always to be digested and applied to one's own circum-
stances...hope this helps Rae....also, you mentioned that your horse's
back has changed...sounds like you could be getting a bit of a bridge
from this...try lifting the horses back each time you're near him! It
will help his top line..and he may be holding some discomfort in his
back and loin area....you do this by positioning your fingers..nail side
next to his skin (short nails) and gently but firmly going in with your
fingertips/nail tips UNDER HIS BELLY...you will see the back come up!
Do this a couple of times EVERY TIME YOU'RE NEAR THE HORSE, talking to
him and stroking him..then you can measure the amount of lift you get 
as to the progress you're making in other depts....hope I explained this
o.k....this I learned from Linda Tellington-Jones work...I am a TTEAM
Practitioner...this stuff works ! The mailing address and ph/# for
STONEWALL SADDLES, should anyone be interested, is:
27180 Citrus Ave. Perris, Ca. 92571   ----   Ph. (909)928-3244
Jerry Stoner, saddlemaker
Nancey      , his assistant

See you at the FLORIDA CLASSIC !

Deena, Ride Mgr.
FL. ENDURANCE CLASSIC 7 March '98
carlmey@citrus.infi.net
10155 S. Forestline Ave.
Inverness,Fl. 34452