KEN'S COLUMN
the experiences and thoughts of a Saddle Fitter
This month: AWARENESS CAN SAVE THE OWNER MONEY!
Since I set up my consultancy saddle fitting service in an effort to encourage a more holistic approach to the detection of equine back problems, I have been inundated with enquiries from owners, vets, physiotherapists and other professionals working within the equestrian industry. Two things surprise me very much. The first is the very long time that some problems have existed and yet remained undiagnosed. The second is that, in many instances, various professionals have already been consulted in efforts to detect the root cause of the problem but, in most cases, they have worked in isolation. Of course, I can totally understand the horse owner calling on the services of a single expert in the hope of limiting financial outlay - and certainly, in some cases, a result is obtained - but it stands to reason that success cannot be guaranteed. When analysis fails, the problem may be exacerbated. Then, what was originally an acute problem, can quickly become chronic and, in some cases, may even result in the horse suffering severe and irreversible damage. Of course, I am not suggesting that every horse exhibiting sensitivity or soreness in his back should automatically be investigated by a whole team of consultants - that would totally unrealistic. Indeed, there are times when the owner himself can pinpoint what has gone wrong and, as an aid to these endeavours, I have prepared a list of potential culprits that it would be sensible to check before spending any money whatsoever!
• It is surprising how often a rug, even one that supposedly self-adjusts, can create sore places - usually at the base of the horse's wither. This is generally caused by the rug moving too far back, so resulting in pressure points and rubs. The first clue is likely to be loss of hair where the rub is occurring.
• Years ago, it was common for rugs to have attached curcingles. Inevitably the positioning of the curcingle was totally inadequate for a considerable proportion of horses yet the rugs continued to be used without any adaptation. In these more enlightened days, although it is rare to come across this particular design inadequacy, it hasn't completely disappeared.
• Numnahs are the frequent cause of problems. I would prefer them not to be used at all but there is no doubt that a small minority of horses can benefit. Unfortunately, all too often numnahs are used for the wrong reasons - including attempts to rectify the fit of an unsuitable saddle. Ill-fitting or badly adjusted numnahs can create surprisingly bad pressure points. If a numnah must be used, it should correspond with the shape of the saddle. It is also important for the numnah to be slightly larger than the underside of the saddle so that there is no risk of uneven pressure. These days almost all numnhas are made from natural materials but I do occasionally come across one produced in manmade fibres incapable of absorbing sweat. Dried sweat produces nasty hard lumps and numnahs then often ruck up causing particularly unpleasant pressure points, especially in Thoroughbred and other thin skinned horses. When a numnah must be used, I would suggest buying two that are identical in design and material. This way they can be exchanged consistently and it will be easy to ensure scrupulous cleanliness.
• Bits of sponge, pads made from folded blanket - and a whole lot of other paraphernalia - is often used in an ill founded attempt to 'rectify' a badly fitting saddle. I have seen quite horrific pressure sores result. Inserting pads and such measures should only be undertaken as a temporary solution under the strict guidance of a Qualified Saddle Fitter.
• It may seem quite incredibly obvious, nevertheless, I would suggest making quite certain the horse's own saddle has always been used! I am constantly amazed at the number of times I come across riders who use their own favoured saddle on every single horse they ride - totally irrespective of even substantial conformation differences. (Note that experienced riders are the most prone to this serious error of judgement!)
• Nowadays, although the vast majority of owners have new saddles fitted by Qualified Saddle Fitters, quite a few of them fail to monitor subsequent changes in the shape of their horses. Whilst it is true that a good quality, well looked after saddle can be expected to outlast the horse's lifetime, by the same token it may need adapting to correspond with the horse's changed shape on several occasions. Indeed, in rare instances it may even be necessary to exchange the saddle. A large number of the problems I am asked to assist in solving relate to the use of a saddle that no longer provides an adequate fit. (Nb: at the time of fitting a new saddle, Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitters make a fitting record, a copy of which is given to the owner. The record includes templates of the horse's wither
• Although the vast majority of new saddles are fitted by Qualified Saddle Fitters, a much smaller percentage of second-hand saddles are fitted. This is nonsensical because a second-hand saddle will have adopted the contours of the horse on which it was previously used and, as the back profile of each horse is individual, it stands to reason that second-hand saddles often have to be adapted to provide an adequate fit.
• I have left the biggest culprit to last - I am referring to the rider's position. Absolutely no rider is 'perfect' - would it were that easy - but sitting crookedly, falling behind or in front of the horse's movement, screwing, grinding, thumping, gripping - and a whole lot of other position deficiencies - can have serious knock-on effects on both the saddle and the horse. This especially applies to the young and newly backed horse. It is very difficult for the owner/rider himself to check if he has developed unwanted idiosyncrasies - and they can very quickly become habitual. Riders who compete regularly usually have the benefit of help from a trainer or instructor, but those whose interests are limited to hacking or very irregular competition may not have this advantage.
Because so many chicken and egg situations can make it difficult to detect and determine the root cause of equine back problems, a whole industry has developed - and even then the success rate is not always what one would hope. Readers who themselves have suffered back pain will understand firsthand how quickly the knock-on effects can cause pain in other parts of the body - and horses are no different, making it increasingly difficult to diagnose the root problem. I would urge every owner to be vigilant in monitoring their horse's shape and their own position. When a problem does occur, obtain professional help promptly. Leaving it to luck may result in considerable expense and result in the horse being off work for a lengthy period. In serious cases it may even result in the horse developing behavioural problems, consequent loss of performance and associated problems.
KEN LYNDON-DYKES can be contacted on 01622 844440 (head office) or 07973 501873 (mobile). Ken is available to give lecture, talks and demonstrations for any type of equestrian group.
