Ladytelita
Member
I recently took on a mare on loan, at working livery on a riding school yard local to me. I've been working there 2 days a week since the start of the year so know everyone fairly well as well as the horses.
The mare I'm currently loaning is an 8 year old crossbreed and she's extremely good with novice riders etc and consequently takes quite a number of them in the lessons as well as RDA and beginners for hacks etc. I love her to bits and am working her fitness levels and flexibility for possible showing next year as she has some good potential.
The problem is that I'm noticing some obvious rubbing on her sides where riders legs sit. I am unsure whether it is myself causing this due to the work we do or if it is the other riders using her ( I don't want to incorrectly place blame on anyone). It is possble she was suffering from this before and I simply had not noticed as I spent little time with her previously and obviously did not have the personal interest that I have now.
The rubs are quite extensive, not just in a small space, which leads me to suspect it is different riders on her causing it as I'm pretty sure my leg position doesn't change place and height! I am a reasonable rider, qualified to BHS stage 2 and working towards stage 3. My instructor has not mentioned any leg movement during my work, she has in fact commended how still and well positioned my legs tend to be.
The question is, what can I do to help alleviate these rubbed areas and improve her coat condition in these spots?
Sorry for the length, I suspect I've babbled a bit but hope my question is clear. If there is anything I can do when riding to help her (such as avoid wearing chaps etc) then suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
Regards,
P.
The mare I'm currently loaning is an 8 year old crossbreed and she's extremely good with novice riders etc and consequently takes quite a number of them in the lessons as well as RDA and beginners for hacks etc. I love her to bits and am working her fitness levels and flexibility for possible showing next year as she has some good potential.
The problem is that I'm noticing some obvious rubbing on her sides where riders legs sit. I am unsure whether it is myself causing this due to the work we do or if it is the other riders using her ( I don't want to incorrectly place blame on anyone). It is possble she was suffering from this before and I simply had not noticed as I spent little time with her previously and obviously did not have the personal interest that I have now.
The rubs are quite extensive, not just in a small space, which leads me to suspect it is different riders on her causing it as I'm pretty sure my leg position doesn't change place and height! I am a reasonable rider, qualified to BHS stage 2 and working towards stage 3. My instructor has not mentioned any leg movement during my work, she has in fact commended how still and well positioned my legs tend to be.
The question is, what can I do to help alleviate these rubbed areas and improve her coat condition in these spots?
Sorry for the length, I suspect I've babbled a bit but hope my question is clear. If there is anything I can do when riding to help her (such as avoid wearing chaps etc) then suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
Regards,
P.
My Ariat boots just died (leather rotted, stupid rain), I wonder if they contributed?! I'm now using my Dublins (you know the red ones that came out recently? Them.) so I'll keep an eye to make sure they aren't rubbing at all. She's a Skewbald and white in those places so it doesn't look like those photo's, just roughed up hair, but I don't want it to get any worse either!