Dandruff? White Hairs? Clacking?

[Kate Denisar <kdenisar@iss.net>]

I spent this past weekend in the Lake Russell Wildlife Management area of North Georgia with Suzanne Solis and Ann Cofield(sp?).  GREAT FUN!!!  I just moved to GA from the Old Dominion (VA) and was sure I would never find places to ride.  I am most pleasantly surprised.  I am happy to report that, IMO. the SE region is endurance heaven!  We camped at Farmer's Bottom and tooled around the area with a GPS to mark trails and track mileage.  We spent at least 8 hours in the saddle on Sunday. 

Anyway - I noticed this past weekend that Spanky's winter coat is starting to grow in.  This time last year I went through this same scenario.  When his winter coat grows in, he starts to roan a little bit.  Also - his old saddle sores start to reappear.  I ride in a Wintec Pro Endura, but I am pretty sure these are old sores.  I test his back fanatically and he doesn't even flick an ear.  I have palpated (is that a word - you know what I mean 8-P) his back and the white spots are supple and not knotty or thick like they were when I first got him.  What's the verdict?  Should I start looking for a new saddle?

Also - I noticed that there was a fine, flaky residue under his hair.  It brushed off easily, but should I be concerned?  Or should I just give him a bath in Head&Shoulders and stop worrying?

OK - Last question (I tend to save them up) - Spanky has forged since I bought him.  He ALWAYS clacks. less when recently shod and more when he is coming up on six weeks.  I have not worried about it too much, since he has never pulled a shoe that way and he doesn't injure himself.  The farrier is coming out to the barn on Monday and I am trying to gather as much info as possible before then.

Thanks a bunch for any and all replies!!!

Kate and Spanky (highly offended at mom's public posting of his maladies)
_________________________________
Kate Denisar, Internet Security Systems
Professional Services and Training
(678) 443-6288, kdenisar@iss.net