jinglebelle
New User
I have had my 19 year old mare on loan for 6 months with no problems, she has recently started kicking up a fuss when putting on her saddle, no back or saddle problems found. What practical action can I take?
cold backed mare
- Thread starter jinglebelle
- Start date
Pearlsasinger
Up in the clouds
Who has checked her back and saddle?
TBH I'd be tempted to think that the problem Is saddle related. Sometimes saddle fitters will say the saddle is fine but the horse (who after all is the one who's wearing it) says it isn't comfy for one reason or another.
TBH I'd be tempted to think that the problem Is saddle related. Sometimes saddle fitters will say the saddle is fine but the horse (who after all is the one who's wearing it) says it isn't comfy for one reason or another.
jinglebelle
New User
Saddle was checked and re-flocked in May and no problems until recently all done by saddle fitter, but I tend to agree with you, its also a really heavy 18" Albion saddle and I'm worried I may have caused the problem although ive been as careful as I can be putting it on.
keepitugly
Well-Known Member
Horses don't just suddenly become cold backed, I'm not entirely convinced there is such a thing actually. She's telling you she's uncomfortable, I'd get the vet in the first instance. Could be a number of things, mine was like this with ulcers. Could be the saddle, could be pain somewhere. Get your vet out.
BethanT
Well-Known Member
I would say May was quite a while ago, she may well have changed shape since then in gaining muscle or gaining/loosing weight. I'd get another saddler out in my opinion to double check, as well as vet or chiro.
SadKen
Well-Known Member
I was told by 2 saddle fitters that my saddle was fine - it was an inch too long for my lad, and had a bumpy patch of flocking. He was extremely sensitive, and tensed when the saddle went on.
I also think it may be the saddle, but I'd suggest getting a different fitter to check it as a 2nd opinion.
I also think it may be the saddle, but I'd suggest getting a different fitter to check it as a 2nd opinion.
yaffsimone1
Well-Known Member
Once all the obvious has been checked saddle fit, vet once over etc etc could it be that you are being a bit too heavy handed with her when saddling up and girthing?
My thin skinned TB has to be handled with the lightest hands. I have to put saddle on first very lightly, then girth one hole at a time very slowly...tacking up takes forever. There is nothing wrong she has had all her checks she just doesn't like the slightest of rough handling. There is no tacking up, girth tightened and were off in 5 minutes, she needs time otherwise she will have my head off. Same with grooming, it has to be very gentle and slow.
When she is in season is also a time to watch my head!
My thin skinned TB has to be handled with the lightest hands. I have to put saddle on first very lightly, then girth one hole at a time very slowly...tacking up takes forever. There is nothing wrong she has had all her checks she just doesn't like the slightest of rough handling. There is no tacking up, girth tightened and were off in 5 minutes, she needs time otherwise she will have my head off. Same with grooming, it has to be very gentle and slow.
When she is in season is also a time to watch my head!