Remedial Horse Help
Horses can require redial saddle fitting for a number of reasons, many people underestimate the importance of a well fitting saddle, most back problems in horses are caused by badly fitting saddles, which over time may cause pain, discomfort and muscle wastage, sometimes resulting in behavioural problems, lameness and poor performance.
What would cause my horse to be called a Remedial Horse?
Poor conformation as regards to saddle fitting(i.e. a heavyweight cob with a short back and croup high, so there is only a small part of the horses back that is level to sit a saddle on. This can be challenging with a tall or heavier rider.)
Dealing with the remedial horse
If the horse or rider is crooked they will need to be treated by a back specialist.
The horse may require a ‘correction’ numnah (or similar) while the back repairs. As the horses back starts to repair they may become sensitive as the blood flow returns to the damaged muscles.
The saddle will need regular checks as the horses back repairs, some will change in a matter of weeks, and some will take considerably longer. We advise to get the fitter out as soon as you notice any changes. There will be a call-out fee for every visit, but we are happy to advise over the phone or by email, this is free.
Saddle maintenance packages are available, I can also advise on ongoing re-habilitation to incorporate bodywork and a training programme.
What to expect
Firstly, not all horses do repair, but with patience and the help of the Saddle Fitting Specialist, Back Specialist, Trainer and looking at how you can help influence the horse, most horses do improve and some completely repair. As your horse develops more muscle in the damaged areas, he may become sensitive as the blood flow returns. It some times helps to have massage work carried out on your horse while he repairs, or to practise stretching exercises (carrot stretches etc) with your horse every day. If your horse has had chiropractic work done to straighten out unevenness this may need repeating in a few months to keep on top of the problem.
When your new saddle is fitted your horse should move more freely, please work him gently for the first week or two i.e. do not go hunting for 4 hours on your new saddle! Let it bed in and let the horse get used to being able to move all his muscles in a different way, as excessive work may cause him discomfort even if he is happy to work hard.
Some horse’s muscles can change considerably in a matter of weeks, sometimes it can be very slow and gradual, it depends on the horses bred, the way it is worked and the amount of work that it does. If the horse has damage under the saddle area, the front can often repair first, so if the saddle starts to tip backwards, ask the Saddle Fitting Specialist to visit and if needed to adjust the saddle. The area at the back of the saddle can sometimes repair last, once that has grown back in, the saddle should be checked as it might need to be reflocked to fit the new shape of the horses back as the top line appears, it could also need to be widened.
You can always ring me on 07753835558, the office on 0844 800 8564 or telephone the Saddle Fitting Specialist that fitted the saddle for advice.
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