Re: bad back

["Robert Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net>]

It might be of interest. We had some back problems until we dispensed with
the Booties!! Leave them off and go with the "old fashion" saddle pad under
the saddle. 

Remember the saddle pad is supposed to be a layer between the saddle and
the horses back to intermediate between the back and saddle. i.e. the
saddle rubs on the pad and the horse back rubs on the pad both independent
of the other. 

When the booties are used you have eliminated this protection and all
rubbing is between the saddle and the horse back.

By the way the best saddle pad we have found is to get , from a hospital
supply, the 36X72 bed pads made to eliminate bed sores. This pad folded
over a egg crate foam pad works best for us and you end up with about $US25
invested. Very easy to wash the pad, you can turn it over to dirty both
sides and they last a long time. 

Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID

----------
> From: Kelli Hjelmeland <kelli@mb.sympatico.ca>
> To: ridecamp@endurance.net
> Subject: bad back
> Date: Wednesday, June 24, 1998 10:05 AM
> 
> Hi all,
> Hope you can help me. I have a long backed arab that looks more like a
> QH. 14:3, stocky, but loves to go all day. Has a fantastic fast trot.
> Problem: when he trots his "trot" he ends the day with sore back muscles
> in the loin area. Am riding in an Orthoflex Traditional. This saddle was
> what helped his back in the first place. When I got him, any other
> saddle (aussie, western, english) made his back very sore (he dipped it
> when I got on). The OF fixed that for many years. I have ridden him in
> many 50's in 1992 and 1993 with this saddle and it never caused a
> problem. I tried doing a Limited Distance (25) ride doing just about all
> cantering and this really helped, but I don't want to give up his great
> trot, partially because at the canter, he can take off on me any time.
> He is a pull-face type of horse. I usually can't canter safely until
> halfway through a 50. Don't ask me to re-train him - he's 15 and I like
> him hot! My question is, should I try more padding in the booties, under
> the booties, what kind of pads work well, etc. I'm sticking to the
> shorter rides until I figure this problem out (and have more time to
> condition).
> 
> Also, I live in Manitoba (2.5 hours from FEI ride). If anyone needs
> anything, or if I can help in any way, please get in touch. I have a
> great hay source if someone can't bring enough. I will be at the ride
> with this horse, but not riding more than 25's.
> 
> Kelli
> and Hudson Bay (really, he's a purebred arab!)
>