Pony problem, upset and confused

G

gally

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 September 2006
Messages
324
Visit site
Hi guys!

Having a bit of a wobble and would appriciate some honest opinions about my situation. My boy has been off work for the last month cause he has had a bad back (caused by his old saddle slipping to the right and causing him to lose all muscle under the saddle and over develop muscle behind it). He has had lots of treatments from physio, sport massage, accupunture and i was using a TENs machine on him every day for almost 3 weeks. Have also started lunging and longreining him (adv rom the physio)

The problem started a few weeks ago when a friend suggested that maybe my weight was a huge contributing factor to his problems (im 9st and he is a 13.2hh NF). My instructor didnt seem to think my weight was a problem for him as in her opinion he doesn't have any problems jumping/generally working with me on him.

I kinda moved on from being told i was too fat for my pony but today i had the saddler out to fit a new saddle and his first comment was that my 9year old pony has the back of a 25 year old!!! i explained the problems i have had with him and what i have been doing but basically the physio wants me to start riding him lightly to help build up his back muscles.

The problem is that he is very short coupled and the biggest saddle he can have is a 16.5inch and all the ones he has with him were too long and ideally he would have a 15inch but then i wouldnt fit it. He is going to have a rig around his saddler group and see if he can find an older wintec in a vague hope one will fit him

ATM it seems as if everything is against me riding him and its really getting to me and half of me is thinking would he be better with a smaller slimmer person. It would absolutley kill me to sell him as i have had him for almost 6 years and he is my all time pony of a lifetime and best friend but if it was best for him i would have to do it.

Sorry about the essay, just needed to get it all off my chest, i am so confused about what to do its unreal
 
So what you are saying is that in theory you are easily light enough for him to carry you, but due to his conformation (short coupled) you cannot get a saddle that fits both of you comfortably?

I would think that your saddler/instructor/physio need to get together to assess the situation and see what the options are. Impossible for anyone on here to really help you properly. I suspect (as you have said) most of the damage has occurred from the badly fitting saddle. I am not convinced that a Wintec (even one the correct size) will do much to help your pony.
 
Sorry but 9 stone isn't that heavy, even for 13.2hh NF these ponies are surpose to be hardy. One thing I have found out, as I tend to lean to the left,my rightside has got weak, not only when riding but driving my car and sleeping on my back again I tend to lie on the left as very stiff and painful on the right. just a thought.
 
yes thats my main concern, i was looking at wintec/throwogood type saddles as they do an adjustable range as he is a fatty in the summer and drops his weight easily in the winter so need something that can keep up with him

The saddler thinks i need something that has a 16inch seat but not huge flocked panels, he thinks somethink with slighly less sticky out flocked panels would suit him better
 
Your not too heavy for him! I'm about 10 stone and 5ft6 and had my 14hh NF for 10 yrs! How tall are you? I can ride in a 16.5" saddle (although had a 17" on my old boy as he had such a HUGE jump I liked more there!)

Some New Forests can be difficult to fit a saddle to due to their conformation. Have to add that I've yet to see a wintec properly fit a New Forest..... I use them short term to back youngsters, but get them a proper saddle asap. In fact a wintec gave my old boy a bad back and marked my friend NF back and gave her white hairs (both had been "fitted")

If your saddler can't help you, find another one. If your local to me, pm me and I can give you some names to try.
 
thanks for your replies guys,im 5ft 2/3, i was a bit worried that i was too big for him but my intructor pointed out that he would not be jumping 1.20 if i was too heavy for him

My main req for the saddle is that its adjustable (due to his ever changing weight) and comfortable for him. He definatley would not fit a 17inch think it would be touching his tail! lol

He is in surrey so if anyone can suggest anything im more than happy to listen
 
You'll be fine riding in a 16/16.5" saddle then and you won't be too big!!

Saddle Company Saddles are adjustable, GFS do some now as well as Bates, Colegiate... You need to ring around and find a saddler with a range of saddles and get them to bring them all out to try. The straighter the cut of the saddle the better for NF's too. If you jump lots, try a VSD (what I had) or a working hunter?

But I would really advise against a wintec.
 
thanks, the saddler is gonna call me back tomorrow with some more suggestions so i will pass on all these suggestions. He wasnt too kenn on the wintec on him either
 
Try Minster Saddlery - they are based in Kent so not too far for you. They do made to measure. Have a look on their website - they are very reasonable priced. I am an adult riding a pony and have a GP and a dressage saddle from them.
 
I imagine you will fit into a 16.5" no problem or even one slightly smaller. I have a 16.5" Ideal on my short backed Fell and I'm 5'8" and 11.5 stone and a dress size 14-16. I'm sure my backside will be bigger than yours!
 
Have you had your own back checked? theres often stories of riders not knowing the problem with their horse and they get themselves checked and they have been sitting awkwardly and not known about it. Get a chiro to have a look at your back is my advice in addition to whats already been said, and make sure you're properly aligned. I highly doubt your weight is causing a problem for your pony.
 
thanks guys, you have all been so much help

blueneonrainbow, i will def get myself checked, had not even crossed my mind have been so focused in getting the pony right it never occured to me that i might be wonky!
 
You certainly aren't too heavy I would have thought, and your instructor would have said if you were.

As for saddles, I second the Ideal saddles, I have an Ideal H&C and they are great on natives, arabs and cobby types. There will be one out there that suits you both, it's just a question of finding it ;)
 
I completely agree that you're not too heavy for your pony so don't worry on that score.

It sounds like I'm a similar size to you (in both weight and height) and I rode my stocky 12hh Welshie in a 15 1/2" Ideal WHP saddle. Was comfy for both of us, not too bulky and fitted us both well.

May I suggest trying Martin at Penfolds, Cuckfield to fit a saddle? Bit of a waiting list but he's very good and has helped me with my ever changing youngsters' shapes for years!
 
I'm 5'2" and if I was nine stone, I wouldn't fit in my 16 1/2" saddle. Is there any chance you could lose some weight to make the job a bit easier? Seems a bit of an obvious route to me, if it is an option.

ETS - ever stood on the scales whilst holding your saddle?
 
Gosh, I'm taller than you and my pony slightly shorter, weigh fairly similar. Mine is 18 years old, looks like an 8 year old, wears a 17" flat seated jumping saddle - there ARE saddles out there for ponies, you just need to look hard and be prepared to try lots.
 
brighteyes said:
I'm 5'2" and if I was nine stone, I wouldn't fit in my 16 1/2" saddle. Is there any chance you could lose some weight to make the job a bit easier? Seems a bit of an obvious route to me, if it is an option.


I am trying believe me!, not easy when you are built curvy
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top