Re: palpating for soreness

[Roger Rittenhouse-VMAXEPT <vmaxept@cococo.net>]

> < I had a gelding who was extremely ticklish in the girth area when
> I stopped
> riding
>  him, part way into a ride season.  We gave him time off (approx. one
> year),
> and he
>  was STILL ticklish in the girth area.  

We had this too.. always copped out on girth points by calling this at
vet in -- ECTRA CTR.. and now at NATRC..

HOWEVER  Dr Hiedi is right again   RATS!
What the chrio found was rib problems and accupunture points..there are
a number of intersections behind the spot behind the elbow where when
poked ever so slight my mare would flinch.. mostly related to the cronic
sore back due to a crummy saddle from years ago... and the way I ride or
use to ride
Mare has alot of miles and at 21 I dont expect a full cure.
After a treatment and adjustment and some accupressure  she does not
respond to a poke or pressure. 

Of course since she has some cronic damage.. i dont expect the problem
to go away..we manage it. she is worked on about once every 6 weeks.

 but the 'tickle' girth is not used much to 'protect' me from losing
points due to a real girth problem. Of course we dont get problems much
anymore  the saddle/girth fit well.

The saddle ? SR ENDURO..

AND we are testing our NEW SYNERGIST from JOHN DIEPITRA..YES we bought
ANOTHER SADDLE.
This one was made to fit the mare. I owe it to her to go with a well
fitted and balance saddle -even if we only compete for a few more years.

So far it it working great. I had to get a longer dressage girth to keep
the buckles up high away from the elbow.. we did cause a gall on the
first to test rides.
It is well balanced and does appear to fit her well. Need more time to
evaluate it. A more detailed reprot to follow after a few more longer
conditioning rides. Not ready to try in competition yet. 
It also appears to fit my young gelding-- so we will be using it on 2
horses.

But initial impressions   it is is a great saddle and worth a try.
and NO we dont get any kick backs..
Roger