KEN'S COLUMN
Done with the best of intentions!
It is strange how often things go in phases. Just recently I have been called out to sort out ‘problems’ that either need never have happened in the first place –or which the horse owners concerned had attempted to rectify but had made worse.
The first involved a rather nice riding club-type horse. The owner explained that he had always been a very willing, obedient horse but, just recently, had begun jibbing in all sorts of situations. Previously a confident jumper both over show and cross country fences, he was now refusing regularly. Although her instructor thought he was just being plain naughty she, having owned him for two years, thought this was very unlikely. Having been over everything in her mind, very much as a last resort, she had decided to have the saddle checked.
Well, let us put it this way – a saddle check should have been the first port of call! The horse, just under 16 hands, was nicely made – a sturdy, reliable looking sort with a good head and nice eye. I asked if he could be stood up for me to examine his back before checking out the saddle. He wasn’t keen to stand still but was eventually persuaded to do so. (The owner informed me that this behaviour was also quite new.) When I placed a hand close to his withers, his ears went flat back and he tried first to run forwards - and then backwards. Round the wither area there was very slight swelling and a little heat – and I expressed surprise this hadn’t been noticed. By way of explanation the owner, who worked in London and had very little free time, said the horse was on full livery and was always fully groomed and tacked up for her to ride - she didn’t really have anything to do with looking after the horse. I am deliberately refraining from commenting about the efficiency of the horse’s groom!
I asked to see the saddle and the owner brought two saddles out. Appreciating the horse was in quite a lot of pain, I was reluctant to saddle him up. As it happened, that was completely unnecessary! A mere glance at the dressage saddle revealed that it was a very good brand – made by a highly respected Walsall firm. The saddle was in superb condition – but it was a very, very narrow fitting that was totally and seriously unsuited to the back profile of this horse.
It transpired that the owner had purchased the saddle in almost new condition from a friend - whose horse was a very narrow Thoroughbred. It was, she said, a bargain. I agreed it was a superb saddle – but could hardly be described as ‘a bargain’ when it patently couldn’t possibly fit her horse! She had, she said, realised that it was a ‘little bit tight’ but that she remedied that by inserting some pieces of foam! She had completely failed to realise that, by adding more under the saddle, there was even less space available. The pressure exerted each side of the trapezius area would be very considerable. This brought into question not only the owner’s knowledge – and after all, she was not involved in the equestrian industry – but also that of the groom who looked after the animal. How could she, grooming the horse every day, possibly have failed to recognise the problems?
Just a couple of days ago I was asked to look at a dressage horse that competes at quite a high level. He is ridden for the owner by an experienced dressage rider. I hadn’t seen the horse before but he was described as having ‘stunning paces’ but ‘has recently become tense in extended paces, especially in trot’. Apparently he had previously achieved 7s and 8s for movements involving extended trot but these were now down to an average of 5. The rider reported finding him ‘much more tense’ and was concerned that a veterinary problem might be developing. The vet had been called but didn’t detect any symptoms that might indicate an underlying problem. The farrier had also been called – just in case he had any comments – but is reported to have said the horse had just about the best set of feet he had seen for a long time! As the very last resort, I was asked to look at the horse.
I could understand why the horse was expected to climb close to the very top of the competition ladder! A really good looking animal, he had tremendous natural presence and a sort of dignity. I asked if I could look at the saddle. Fine – it fitted well. (I discovered it had been supplied and fitted by a colleague in the Society of Master Saddlers.) I then asked to see the horse ridden. Thereupon the rider inserted not one – but two – back riser pads. Why, I asked, was she using riser pads under a well-balanced saddle? Did she realise she had altered the balance of the saddle and that it was now unbalanced? Inserting the riser pads was resulting in pressure just behind the scapula - quite possibly the reason for horse’s ‘tightness’ and disappointing extensions.
I quite enjoy saying ‘I told you so’! Ridden without the riser pads, the horse displayed absolutely none of the tension about which the rider complained and, after warming up, was executing some superb extensions. Another problem solved!
It’s a fact that the use of riser pads – generally rear risers – has become almost a fashion in some dressage yards. I am mystified because, in general, their use is unwarranted and they frequently do far more harm than good. A useful tool when correctly used. A source of abuse when they are not!
KEN LNDON DYKES is a Society of Master Saddlers’ qualified saddle fitter who specialises in fitting competition horses. He is also available to give talks and demonstrations for any type of equestrian group. KEN can be contacted on 07973 501873 (mobile) or at SADDLEWORLD’S head office – 01622 844440.
