Re: woolback vs equalizer

[flemmerl@rcbhsc.wvu.edu (Flemmer, Linda)]

Judy A. Worley wrote:

> Linda,  I have to differ with your observation of heat bumps vs. pressure
> bumps. <SNIP>  The heat
> and sweat gets trapped with the synthetic pad, which creates much more
> friction, anyway (just try rubbing your knuckles on it, then compare with
> wool) It's like plastic.

I'm afraid that you isinterpretted my original post.  "Heat bumps" was the
phrase used to describe swelling caused by pressure from a too-narrow saddle,
usually near the withers, in the pre-historic times of endurance riding.
(Anybody else remember this?)   I wasn't referring to blistering at all.  I
agree that synthetic pads are less desireable than natural wool.  I personally
use woolbacks whenever possible, and always recommend them to my customers.  All
horses will sweat under their pads, but good pads will have enough loft and use
natural fibers to prevent friction.

It doesn't sound like the heat was directly responsible for the blistering in
the pleasure trail rider's case.  Heat alone will not do that unless you are
talking high temperatures that cause second & third degree burns.  (Hot metal,
flame, etc.)  The blistering was most likely friction of this rider's synthetic
pad plus any grit that the sweat brought out on her horse.  (Have you ever
noticed that it seems like the more grit you brush out, the more there is!)
Among many other things I get to do, I'm a nurse with advanced training in skin
care.  We find that folks can get these types of "burns" from moving about on
synthetic sheets in hospitals, too.  This does cross over to the equine.

> I see the benefits of natural fibers to
> absorb and dissipate, and ventilate heat.  I don't think I would like
> plastic next to me, fur or not.

I agree.

Linda Flemmer
-----Original Message-----

> From: Flemmer, Linda <flemmerl@rcbhsc.wvu.edu>
> To: nrini@yahoo.com <nrini@yahoo.com>; ridecamp@endurance.net
> <ridecamp@endurance.net>
> Date: Thursday, April 30, 1998 9:39 AM
> Subject: Re: woolback vs equalizer
> >> Email: nrini@yahoo.com
> >>
> >> 1.When used with a SS which saddle pad, the toklat woolback  or the
> equalizer keeps the horses back cooler ?
> >
> >Coolness is not amajor issue in selecting your pad - all pads will be warm
> under a SS since part of it's seat  panels are made up of neoprene (wetsuit
> material).  Horses' backs are NOT scalded by excess warmth.  Another old
> wives' tale is that lumps on the back are from "heat" (hence term "heat
> bumps") - rather, they are from pressure points where a poorly fitted saddle
> is pinching.  This causes decreased circulation to the area,
> >meaning less nutrition, waste removal, oxygenation...etc.  It can range
> from slight swelling to open pressre sores.  Loosening the saddle slowly
> does not help.  You are simply extending the time that the saddle cuts off
> circulation.  (Sorry - my pet peeve about "heat bumps".)
> >
> >I would look for the pad that best suits your need.  Do you need more shock
> absorption?  How much loft do you prefer.  I have always preferred natural
> wool over synthetic as it doesn't seem to rough up their hair like synthetic
> materials do.
> >
> >Linda Flemmer
> >
> >
> >
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>   AUSSIE PLACE <aussie@aa.net>
>   owner
>   SHILOH Australian Saddles
>
>   AUSSIE PLACE
>   owner                      <aussie@aa.net>
>   SHILOH Australian Saddles
>   14128 292nd Ave. NE        Work Voice: 425-788-4880
>   Duvall                     Work Fax: 425-788-7361
>   WA
>   98019
>   Additional Information:
>   Last Name PLACE
>   First NameAUSSIE
>   Label Work14128 292nd Ave. NE Duvall, WA 98019