building muscle on one side, help!

[lara b]

Hi All,

Took the big cob for his saddle fitting the other day and saddler commented that he drops away on the right hand side of his withers (at the top) much more than on the left. This is reflected when ridden (he is sound) as he tends to fall in through that shoulder.

He had three months off last year which am sure didn't help and is 17 so not a spring chicken but would like to help even him up if possible.

Am in the process of organising back lady to look at him but in the mean time are there any specific schooling exercises I can do to help? Was thinking shoulder in in that direction maybe??

Any advice greatly received

 

[0310Star]

Lack of muscle on one side says to me that there is some problem on that side which means he isn't moving as well/freely on that side. I only say this as I had this problem and it was due to an old injury that had been left by the previous owner, all easily solved by a sports physio may I add!! So my mare had minimal movement on one side and my physio was shocked she hadn't thrown me off!

I would suggest waiting for the back person to come and take a look. Keep him ticking over but dont try anything too strenuous until you have a definite answer as if there is a problem you dont want to be pushing him too much.

Hope this helped

 

[Umbongo]

Same as above, but would like to add to also get yourself checked out!

The way the horse is ridden can affect the build up of muscle on the horse. People are quick to get the physio out for their horses in these cases but can neglect to think about the way you are riding, I must admit that I have done this before too. My friend thought she was pretty even, however her horse had more muscle development on his left side, and when I rode him I felt him lock when I tried to ask for a right bend. This also affected fit of his saddle. Turns out friend had a stronger left arm and her shoulders were not straight etc.

 

[lara b]

Thanks to you both, funnily enough I had a treatment yesterday and I was quite sore but not really uneven, also I do a lot of yoga etc to keep myself straight so not sure that it would be me. His saddle fitter said his saddle stuffing had actually moved about in responce to his uneven muscle so think it's been building for a while.

Will update you with any updates from Physio