Mellis
Well-Known Member
Too logical to question! Old ways are not always bad. Problem is an awful lot of owners nowadays have received no formal training
My 'old-school' friend (even older school than me, lol) insists that a saddle should really stay put because of the rider's balance, rather than being held in place by the girth.Just what I was going to say. you can surely do more damage tightening an elasticated girth too quickly..
Think we're getting mixed up between physio type stretches and gently stretching the skin smooth..
My 'old-school' friend (even older school than me, lol) insists that a saddle should really stay put because of the rider's balance, rather than being held in place by the girth.
On occasions I completely forget to tighten the girth after I get on and will only realise after I've been working in all paces for some time that you can actually see air between my girth and the horse - whoops!
I always used to until a lady told me i should never do it because it causes wrinkles under the girth so i haven't since!
Very possibly no difference but that would be that answer to the physio as well.I don't and have never been taught to when I worked for a very well respected old fashioned yard and that was the days of the old string girths. We ran our hand under the girth instead.
My physio was going on about it recently and how she wished folks didn't do it.
Can I ask a numpty question to those who do, what difference does stretching the leg do compared to the horse stepping forward and moving that leg when you lead them forwards? I honestly can't see it doing anything different?
yes,always,horsey nearly does it on her own!
i also like to make sure that where girth,nunmah and saddle all meet are nice and smooth too.
(i never girth up all in one go,i pick feet out in between then go back and it goes up a couple of holes.hate to see people yank the girth up)
another thing i do is stand infront and check bridle is level.
I don't tend to these days. Used to be religious about it but I don't see the need now, I have enough faffing to do with various bits of high viz, hoof boots and body protector
Do it half way out, with knee bent. Taught to do it by old groom 40+ years ago, have always done it - never been problematic.
Always... But again I was taught too when first learnt to tack up 25 odd years ago!
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