Grass belly?

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Bea_millard

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So if I ride my pony straight from the field, he’s a lot worse to girth than normal (always has his ears back anyway but it’s worse), harder to get in (again, he’s got a habit of swinging away from me when I collect my reins or touch my stirrup) and he throws in little bucks when I put my leg on.

My YM and another girl on the yard think this is just a bit of grass belly.

From peoples experience, could that be true? He’s getting his back done next month, teeth have been done and saddle checked but needs a new gullet in which is happening next month
 
Does it make a difference if you leave him for a few hours before riding? Is he more comfortable?

If this doesn't make a difference and he needs a new gullet it sounds like his saddle might be too tight for him. If its a wintec it's pretty straightforward to change the gullet yourself - no idea about other makes mind you!
 
TotalMadgeness said:
Does it make a difference if you leave him for a few hours before riding? Is he more comfortable?

If this doesn't make a difference and he needs a new gullet it sounds like his saddle might be too tight for him. If its a wintec it's pretty straightforward to change the gullet yourself - no idea about other makes mind you!
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Usually yes, but still struggle with the girthiness and getting on.

His saddle is too wide!
 
Has he always done this. Have you had him a while through all seasons. How experienced are you.
1 get the usual health checks done tack, back and teeth etc and a vet if they are all fine
2 get a good instructor if all the above are clear
3 honestly assess whether he is the right pony for your skill level with advice from 2
Good luck hope it works out if can go to a Richard Maxwell demo or have a look at his mounting block training it is amazing and counter intuitive
 
Sounds like a pain response to me he could be gassy from the grass making him uncomfortable, it could possibly be the saddle if he only does this when the saddle is on.

What is he like to brush on his belly and what's he like when your putting rugs on and off?

Also how are you girthing? I see so many people that try and hike the girth up immediately then wonder why the horse doesn't like it, the girth should initially just be fastened so it's fairly loose then it should be slowly tightened by a few holes at a time.
 
windand rain said:
Has he always done this. Have you had him a while through all seasons. How experienced are you.
1 get the usual health checks done tack, back and teeth etc and a vet if they are all fine
2 get a good instructor if all the above are clear
3 honestly assess whether he is the right pony for your skill level with advice from 2
Good luck hope it works out if can go to a Richard Maxwell demo or have a look at his mounting block training it is amazing and counter intuitive
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Ive only had him since January so I’m not sure. I have 3 of his previous owners on Facebook so I could ask them if he used to do it with them

1. We just have a back check to do which I can’t get done until next month, annoyingly. Saddle gullet is being changed and rechecked in a couple of weeks

2. We have a really good instructor (who is also our YM) who has so much experience. She says she thinks it’s grass belly. But that the mounting etc is potentially a way to get out of work

3. I think he is the right pony for my skill level. He’s just enough to be challenging but fun. He’s not always bucking - just as an aside and he is generally a really lovely and well behaved pony
 
Pinkvboots said:
Sounds like a pain response to me he could be gassy from the grass making him uncomfortable, it could possibly be the saddle if he only does this when the saddle is on.

What is he like to brush on his belly and what's he like when your putting rugs on and off?

Also how are you girthing? I see so many people that try and hike the girth up immediately then wonder why the horse doesn't like it, the girth should initially just be fastened so it's fairly loose then it should be slowly tightened by a few holes at a time.
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He’s very good to brush his belly and rug up, which is why I’m so confused and need the help of more experienced people! If he was iffy about his belly in general, I’d know something was definitely wrong

I girth up slowly! I know I wouldn’t like someone whacking something super tight round my stomach without warning!
 
What is he like if you stable for a few hours before riding? Does it completely stop or does he still act girthy?

If hes girthy and not happy could be a number of things, i'd guess pain personally. Both of mine don't care how quick I girth them up, doesn't bother them and most horses without issues don't care about the girth, the only horse I had that was girthy had serious ulcers.

What breed? how old? Is he on excessive grazing?

I'd get the vet out, specially if insured, its worth a look as could have something underlying.
 
Is he OK to ride bareback out of interest? As a very short term test you could pop a sheepskin sleeve on the girth to see if that helps - and if the saddle is too wide you could maybe try a sheepskin numnah (like a Griffin Nuumed). But at the end of the day he really needs a saddle that fits so you might have to focus on groundwork & lungeing until the fitter can come out.

My horse became girthy when the saddle was the wrong shape for him and hurt his withers and shoulders. So it wasn't his girth area that was hurting if you see what I mean!
 
TotalMadgeness said:
Is he OK to ride bareback out of interest? As a very short term test you could pop a sheepskin sleeve on the girth to see if that helps - and if the saddle is too wide you could maybe try a sheepskin numnah (like a Griffin Nuumed). But at the end of the day he really needs a saddle that fits so you might have to focus on groundwork & lungeing until the fitter can come out.

My horse became girthy when the saddle was the wrong shape for him and hurt his withers and shoulders. So it wasn't his girth area that was hurting if you see what I mean!
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Just thought this actually! My welsh started to pin his ears back when the saddle went on his back and girthed. Saddler said the saddle was suddenly 3 gullets to narrow so it was hurting his shoulders (saddler out 3 weeks before was clearly crap) and he stopped once it was all fixed.

Could be something as simple as the saddle doesn't fit!
 
Bea_millard said:
He’s very good to brush his belly and rug up, which is why I’m so confused and need the help of more experienced people! If he was iffy about his belly in general, I’d know something was definitely wrong

I girth up slowly! I know I wouldn’t like someone whacking something super tight round my stomach without warning!
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It does sound like it's the saddle if his fine with everything else, you say it's too wide is it moving around when you ride?
 
Aimeetess said:
What is he like if you stable for a few hours before riding? Does it completely stop or does he still act girthy?

If hes girthy and not happy could be a number of things, i'd guess pain personally. Both of mine don't care how quick I girth them up, doesn't bother them and most horses without issues don't care about the girth, the only horse I had that was girthy had serious ulcers.

What breed? how old? Is he on excessive grazing?

I'd get the vet out, specially if insured, its worth a look as could have something underlying.
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He still acts girthy but nowhere near as bad.

I did think ulcers but looking at the symptoms, he’s not off his food at all and he’s not losing weight. I mean he’s lost a bit but that was because his previous owner tried to fatten him up so he could carry her...

He’s a Connie and he’s 6. I wouldn’t say he’s on excessive grazing - fields aren’t lush etc. He’s currently out 24/7 except for like 4 hours during the day. But that started on Monday so not seen if that’s made it worse or better yet
 
TotalMadgeness said:
Is he OK to ride bareback out of interest? As a very short term test you could pop a sheepskin sleeve on the girth to see if that helps - and if the saddle is too wide you could maybe try a sheepskin numnah (like a Griffin Nuumed). But at the end of the day he really needs a saddle that fits so you might have to focus on groundwork & lungeing until the fitter can come out.

My horse became girthy when the saddle was the wrong shape for him and hurt his withers and shoulders. So it wasn't his girth area that was hurting if you see what I mean!
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I’ve never ridden him bareback because I’m a wimp...

Saddler recommended putting a towel underneath in the interim but he was NOT happy at all...
 
Pinkvboots said:
It does sound like it's the saddle if his fine with everything else, you say it's too wide is it moving around when you ride?
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Yeah. Well it tips me forward. But when I put a towel under it, as per saddler instructions, he was even more unhappy. I wish horses could speak or that I was better at understanding what they’re communicating
 
Bea_millard said:
He still acts girthy but nowhere near as bad.

I did think ulcers but looking at the symptoms, he’s not off his food at all and he’s not losing weight. I mean he’s lost a bit but that was because his previous owner tried to fatten him up so he could carry her...

He’s a Connie and he’s 6. I wouldn’t say he’s on excessive grazing - fields aren’t lush etc. He’s currently out 24/7 except for like 4 hours during the day. But that started on Monday so not seen if that’s made it worse or better yet
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They can have severe ulcers and only show a vague symptom (he may not but just saying)

Personally, if he were mine, after the saddle has been checked and confirmed it fits.. and if he doesn't change, I'd be getting the vet out and be asking for their opinion.
It could be simple or could be something hurting him that you've caught early. A decent vet will help no ends, my vet is excellent he'll often say no hes fine, crack on or no something is wrong.
 
Aimeetess said:
They can have severe ulcers and only show a vague symptom (he may not but just saying)

Personally, if he were mine, after the saddle has been checked and confirmed it fits.. and if he doesn't change, I'd be getting the vet out and be asking for their opinion.
It could be simple or could be something hurting him that you've caught early. A decent vet will help no ends, my vet is excellent he'll often say no hes fine, crack on or no something is wrong.
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So you’d wait until the saddle has been checked before getting the vet out? I feel awful knowing he is probably in pain and I’m not helping him
 
Bea_millard said:
Yeah. Well it tips me forward. But when I put a towel under it, as per saddler instructions, he was even more unhappy. I wish horses could speak or that I was better at understanding what they’re communicating
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I would find a different fitter if it's tipping forward the back of the saddle is unstable so possibly causing bruising there, have you tried a shim numnah or a prolite pad? Shim numnah will help pad out the bits that need it, but you need a fitter or someone who undetstands how to pad the saddle to make it fit.
 
Pinkvboots said:
I would find a different fitter if it's tipping forward the back of the saddle is unstable so possibly causing bruising there, have you tried a shim numnah or a prolite pad? Shim numnah will help pad out the bits that need it, but you need a fitter or someone who undetstands how to pad the saddle to make it fit.
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That makes sense - so him not wanting me to get on is because of the bruising pain? So would you suggest just padding it out until the gullet gets changed or even after that? Obviously want him to be as comfortable as possible. Feel so bad that he is in pain
 
Bea_millard said:
So you’d wait until the saddle has been checked before getting the vet out? I feel awful knowing he is probably in pain and I’m not helping him
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If you get the vet, say £48 call out fee plus examination for him to say 'saddle doesn't fit' you'd be gutted!
I'd get a different fitter, as soon as possible. Maybe prior to that long rein or lunge him, or give him some time off as that own't hurt. Its worth getting a second saddler opinion out and see what they say. Find a reputable fitter. I used a cheaper local saddle fitter (£35 a time) previously, she said the saddle fitted and on she went. A few weeks later he felt awful, even bucked for the first time in 5 years. I got my usual fitter out (£55 a time, master saddler, makes his own saddles etc) who said it was 3 gullets to narrow and would of been causing so much pain to his shoulders specially down hill! My usual said saddler doesn't believe in special pads, sheepskin etc. He believes a saddle should fit without any pads, unless you HAVE to use a pad if the horse is a crazy shape.
I learnt my lesson, don't skimp out on things like that and was glad I got him out for a second opinion.
 
It does seem like saddle is one of the issues. I'd definitely not put a towel underneath as the saddle still won't fit and won't help the issue if it's already hurting him. I wouldn't even ride until you have had it sorted. I had a badly fitted saddle, rode in it only about 5 times and it took a fair few physio sessions to sort her back out after.
The 'grass belly' is also an ulcer symptom which is known as 'pot belly' instead. Depending on how long his saddle has hurt for, could have caused ulcers as ulcers is generally secondary to something else.
What does his back feel like? Are the muscles spongy or solid? Does he react when firmly running your hand over the saddle area?
My mare had ulcers, she never lost her appetite but she never gained a decent top line, completely pot bellied, girthy, didn't want to be tacked up or mounted. Turned out she had grade 2/3 ulcers so I wouldn't rule this out but I would get the saddle fitter and physio first.
If your saddle fitter suggested using a towel too, I would get another saddle fitter.
 
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Bea_millard said:
As a sort of front riser I think. The saddle is definitely too wide, so hopefully once the gullet has been changed it’ll be okay
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A front riser is okay for some saddles if they fit but the muscle mass isn't there yet but this may make the saddle bridge if it's not correctly fitting which will just increase the pressure at the front and back. The saddle needs to have even pressure all the way along. When is your appointment with the fitter booked?
 
Ellietotz said:
It does seem like saddle is one of the issues. I'd definitely not put a towel underneath as the saddle still won't fit and won't help the issue if it's already hurting him. I wouldn't even ride until you have had it sorted. I had a badly fitted saddle, rode in it only about 5 times and it took a fair few physio sessions to sort her back out after.
The 'grass belly' is also an ulcer symptom which is known as 'pot belly' instead. Depending on how long his saddle has hurt for, could have caused ulcers as ulcers is generally secondary to something else.
What does his back feel like? Are the muscles spongy or solid? Does he react when firmly running your hand over the saddle area?
My mare had ulcers, she never lost her appetite but she never gained a decent top line, completely pot bellied, girthy, didn't want to be tacked up or mounted. Turned out she had grade 2/3 ulcers so I wouldn't rule this out but I would get the saddle fitter and physio first.
If your saddle fitter suggested using a towel too, I would get another saddle fitter.
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This all makes sense. Thank you so much
 
Ellietotz said:
A front riser is okay for some saddles if they fit but the muscle mass isn't there yet but this may make the saddle bridge if it's not correctly fitting which will just increase the pressure at the front and back. The saddle needs to have even pressure all the way along. When is your appointment with the fitter booked?
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The appointment is not until 17th June, which is too far away if he does have bruising/ulcers
 
Bea_millard said:
Just found the saddler I used on the master saddler website
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Who do you use?
I'd do some research before using a new saddle fitter and i'd use someone else, not the same person who said to try a towel! A 'master' saddler is better than a normal saddler. It says on the website which qualifications they have. Such a shame you're so far away as my saddler is truly excellent.

https://www.djrichardson.net/ - ?
 
Aimeetess said:
Who do you use?
I'd do some research before using a new saddle fitter and i'd use someone else, not the same person who said to try a towel! A 'master' saddler is better than a normal saddler. It says on the website which qualifications they have. Such a shame you're so far away as my saddler is truly excellent.

https://www.djrichardson.net/ - ?
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I don’t want to say their name on here, just in case they or someone they know sees! They were recommended to me by a friend who said they were great.

Ah, they’re the wrong side of Nottingham 😔
 
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