Feeling cross and emotional

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sam72431

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I am just at my wits end with saddle fitters! I had so many problems last winter that I barely rose between different fitters and physio to correct bad fitters! I finally got a saddle fitted and my horse was happy! She's such a good girl she never complains until she's sore and even then she just won't let me get on never bucks or does anything naughty under saddle! She's a tricky type she's tb x Irish sports horse x holstenier so she's fine but not much either fairly wide with a forward girth groove she's also built slightly down hill! I finally got. M Albion style gp to fit her and we haven't looked back had a wonderful 8/9 months then a few weeks ago the first sign that something not right she dipped her back ever so slightly when I brushed her!

I immediately got the saddle fitter out, unfortunately I have moved areas and I couldn't have my successful saddle fitter out so I relied upon several recommendations. My horse is only 7 measly 8 so she advised not buying a new saddle as she was changing shape. She changed the flocking and said to use a thicker pad or a wither pad! So I used a thick pad and for about a week or two it's been ok but if I'm honest I didn't like the thought of solving a problem with a thicker pad and it's just didn't feel quite right but assumed the person I paid could do the job I paid them for!

Anyway tonight went for a hack got back and I don't know why but I put my hand under the back of the saddle horse dipped her back VERY sore and what on a human you would call knots under where back of saddle is! I just don't know where to begin I'm happy to get a new saddle I can part ex my Albion but I now need a reputable fitter who can fit a second hand preferable Albion saddle I'm in Southampton! I don't want a brand new saddle she is a baby and doesn't seem much point as changing or is it best to just get a brand new saddle I just don't know anymore!

Tia
 
I see your in West Sussex, I've had a nightmare with saddlers. Mandy from Olympus Saddlery is utterly amazing. Wouldnt have anyone else to my horses anymore
 
I have had many of the same woes! Last saddler that I trusted moved and I was terrified so went on recommendations. Have just had MSFC and Mctimony practitioner Eiddwen Skellen out for the first time and I found her really good. Will be booking her for a dual traeatnent/saddle check next time. Think her website is animal balance??
 
Did you get the physio out to check her back as soon as you realised she was sore / before you got the new saddle fitter out and / or since?
 
Ben2684 said:
I have had many of the same woes! Last saddler that I trusted moved and I was terrified so went on recommendations. Have just had MSFC and Mctimony practitioner Eiddwen Skellen out for the first time and I found her really good. Will be booking her for a dual traeatnent/saddle check next time. Think her website is animal balance??
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I've just had an appointment too. My cob isn't in work yet but I'm glad I found out his saddle doesn't fit him that well before I started.

A lot of what she said made sense and she was in no hurry to sell me anything, but made suggestions if that's the way I choose to go when he's a bit more muscled.
 
I'm now based in Southampton, she has regular regular physio and is having physio done tomorrow but back is so sore compared to it only being slightly sore before it was checked if that mKes sense? So was only tiny bit sore and now is really really sore so I just think the correction isn't at all correct?! Will ask physio to check it also but I just feel at my wits end if I'm totally honest! I've had a few suggestions for that lady and I do like mctimoney practitioners oh goodness thank
You everyone ��
 
You could try Ilga from Strada saddles, she won't sell you a saddle that doesn't fit! She brings out lots of different sized trees only to try first then has a saddle of each size for you to try. I would highly recommend her her website is http://stradasaddles.co.uk
 
sam72431 said:
I've had a few suggestions for that lady and I do like mctimoney practitioners oh goodness thank
You everyone ��
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Even as just a McTimoney she is excellent. You're horse would enjoy the treatment unlike some more invasive bodyworkers, and the results are clear to see. I've used various different practitioners and the more severe physio didn't get any better results and my horse was clearly uncomfortable.
 
Young horses are quite often hollow so no matter what saddle you use, you will have a bridging problem. I have this with all three of the young mares I've had and until they learn to lift their whithers, stretch their backs and use their tummy muscles it'll be the same - my 5yo has good days and bad days depending on what mood she's in. I encourage a stretching frame as much as I can in the school but harder to achieve on a hack - I've had two saddles and various shims and pads.

Have you thought about a total contact saddle? I've read a post on here about it and seen a couple out and about... looks like it would solve your problems until she has grown up a bit - thinking about one myself.
 
Please try a Balance International saddle. They have been a godsend with our horses. We also has young and some unfit horses so changing shape continuously. Ask if anyone has a Balance that you could try . We were lucky enough to have a friend who used them on all her horses. Good luck with your search.
 
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