Horse won't go forward- saddle reccomendations?

Blaise

Blaise

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Hi guys, a few months ago i noticed my young mare was getting reluctant to go forwards under saddle. Had a saddle fitter out to check it and they said the width was ok & just added some padding to the underside as it was bridging a little. They were quite happy everything else was fine, so i went away and tried her again. Still didnt want to go forwards, she's fine in walk but when asked for trot head flies up in the air, ears go right back and she shuffles forwards for a few strides then back to walk. Kept at her for a few weeks as i was re-assured her saddle was fine (already had back checked by vet & physio so this wasn't an issue) before i got another saddle fitter to come and look. This one said it was quite a bad fit and had to put in a new (wider) headplate & re-flock quite a lot. Spoke to him about the riding issue and he said he wasn't surprised she wouldn't go forward! It's been 3 weeks now and she's still doing it!

Had a lady with a thermography camera out this weeks to see if there were any major hotspots on her back and there weren't. She said it all looked pretty much normal. The only thing she mentioned was a really tight hamstring. Does anyone think this may be contributing to the problem?

I lunged her with the saddle on yesterday and noticed even when properly girthed up the saddle is slipping forwards quite badly! Almost half covering her shoulder after a 2-3 circles so i stopped her and have decided i probably need a new saddle as this one isn't working anymore. It's only been 3 weeks since last saddle fitter came and she hasn't changed shape at all so i'm lost as to what to do next. Can anyone recommend a good saddle for a TB x Appy whos' fairly broad across the shoulder, average withers but not that long in the back? She's such a strange shape i think i'll have trouble finding one that fits nicely. Will post a photo later as it will be easier to see her shape then :) She's currently in a Thorowgood T6 with the wide headplate in.

Thanks all :D
 
The saddle might not be the problem, get her teeth checked just to cover all bases. Young horses have a lot going on, and even small problems can cause real upset.
Not in your area so no saddle fitting suggestions sorry.
 
frustrated said:
The saddle might not be the problem, get her teeth checked just to cover all bases. Young horses have a lot going on, and even small problems can cause real upset.
Not in your area so no saddle fitting suggestions sorry.
Click to expand...

^^^ True.....also, check her bridle- mine was very uncomfortable in the poll - after some treatment and a squidgy comfort poll thingy on his bridle he was happy. Also...mine didn't get on with a loose-ring bit- changed to an eggbut and that made all the difference too.
 
Not sure how useful they may be but have added recent photos- one standing & one ridden in offending saddle. Teeth checked every 6 months and last done 3 weeks ago and no problems. Her bridle and bit are the ones she's always worn and was working very nicely in until she was injured and ended up on box rest in feb, i had thought about the bridle causing discomfort too. I'm pretty sure it is the saddle as she's more willing when i'm riding bareback.

2011-07-24_19-11-22_886.jpg

(please excuse the lump on top!!)

2011-07-24_20-58-00_460.jpg


She seems to have a proper grass belly at the moment too which looks to be pushing the saddle forwards.
 
do you ride her straight from the field??


I ask as I had been having similar problems. It just maybe that she has a full tummy and is tired. I have had to give my lad 4 or 5 hours rest in his stable with a tiny bit of hay just so he is suffering 'Sunday dinner syndrome'

Also she looks to be slightly pointing her off fore in the photo does she always do it or could she be sore on it??
 
My tb x appy is in a monoflap it's the only thing he goes well in!!

It's an ideal impala pro monoflap
He has m/w
He has averageish withers
Massive shoulders
 
If the saddle now has a wider gullet than before that could be why it is slipping forward.
Previously it was bridging and has had a fair amount of flocking done,the chances are that the tree does not fit and no amount of altering to the flocking will make it do so.
If she is not moving forward happily and this is since box rest it is likely that some changes occurred at that time.I would suggest a good saddler and physio to check her as if she has been carrying a saddle that is not right for her she may have some tightness in her muscles.
 
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