Under developed topline

[tristar]

when you ride him in walk in work session will he stretch right down nearly to the ground when allowed to, and will he ask to go deep in trot ever ?

i would not ride in deep snow personally, i always think its like using the legs in isolation somehow! like those water tread mills, as opposed to swimming them.

 

[Michen]

Thanks everyone re your very useful comments!! It’s the same saddle he’s been in for 6 years or so. I am about to swap him into a western one for trail riding.

Here is maybe a better photo re light. I’ll monitor and see if there’s a saddler out in the next month or two.

Vet sounds good though and I was impressed they did not just inject for no reason.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Edit: I think I came off wrong, sorry! Typed quickly on my phone.

 

[ycbm]

Thanks everyone re your very useful comments!! It’s the same saddle he’s been in for 6 years or so. I am about to swap him into a western one for trail riding.

Here is maybe a better photo re light. I’ll monitor and see if there’s a saddler out in the next month or two.

Vet sounds good though and I was impressed they did not just inject for no reason.

View attachment 106401

He looks so darned good!

A saddle check is never going to be a bad idea. I checked Ludo's gullet plate yesterday because he started a dip in his shoulder and it's too small with all the bulk he is putting on as he turns 8. Actually technically it's the correct size but I going I always end up going one wider in aWOW than the "correct" width.
.

 

[sbloom]

Epaxial = of the back, thoracic = base of neck to T18 where the lumbars begin, so it's not just the withers area. I have seen a lot worse, 100%, he's not bad at all, and didn't see his "before" photos.

I'll just give you some links and you can decide for yourself, my bar on this is way higher than it used to be.

https://www.equitopiacenter.com/webinars/ - there are some excellent members-only ones on Topline Syndrome, membership is cheap and you could join for just a month.

https://www.facebook.com/stephbloom...7pnjg3TyM1iJe2jPPBAyz4MN85zverPTjVDCFQaTpZWbl, my pinned post, shoulder development is really interesting and would go with improving the muscle under saddle.

 

[Michen]

He looks so darned good!

A saddle check is never going to be a bad idea. I checked Ludo's gullet plate yesterday because he started a dip in his shoulder and it's too small with all the book he is putting on as he turns 8. Actually technically it's the correct size but I going I always end up going one wider in aWOW than the "correct" width.
.

Thanks Ycbm. I think in the last photo the dip is less obvious with the better light?

Goodness knows where I start with a fitter here as everyone seems to use brand specific ones. I don’t think his cheap GFS monarch will go down well ? I did buy an ideal jump for Bear that seemed to sit well on Bog but I sold it because I just love my monarch more than anything.

I suppose in six weeks once there's more hacking to be done, he will be in a western saddle more than an English one anyway. Not sure if that’s a good thing or bad. I’m trying to shift ten pounds to account for the difference in saddle weight (it’s ten pounds of the fourteen I’ve put on since moving here so needs to go anyway!)

 

[Michen]

Epaxial = of the back, thoracic = base of neck to T18 where the lumbars begin, so it's not just the withers area. I have seen a lot worse, 100%, he's not bad at all, and didn't see his "before" photos.

I'll just give you some links and you can decide for yourself, my bar on this is way higher than it used to be.

https://www.equitopiacenter.com/webinars/ - there are some excellent members-only ones on Topline Syndrome, membership is cheap and you could join for just a month.

https://www.facebook.com/stephbloom...7pnjg3TyM1iJe2jPPBAyz4MN85zverPTjVDCFQaTpZWbl, my pinned post, shoulder development is really interesting and would go with improving the muscle under saddle.

Thank you for this!!!

 

[ycbm]

Thanks Ycbm. I think in the last photo the dip is less obvious with the better light?

Goodness knows where I start with a fitter here as everyone seems to use brand specific ones. I don’t think his cheap GFS monarch will go down well ? I did buy an ideal jump for Bear that seemed to sit well on Bog but I sold it because I just love my monarch more than anything.

I suppose in six weeks once there's more hacking to be done, he will be in a western saddle more than an English one anyway. Not sure if that’s a good thing or bad. I’m trying to shift ten pounds to account for the difference in saddle weight (it’s ten pounds of the fourteen I’ve put on since moving here so needs to go anyway!)

You'll have to leave that bacon out of the bloody mary! ?

 

[Michen]

You'll have to leave that bacon out of the bloody mary! ?

I know, so sad! It’s basically the only bit of meat I eat in this country ?

 

[bouncing_ball]

I’ve started doing pole work on long reins under guidance of a physio once a week and the effect has been rapidly noticeable. Building up top line in particular. Lottie also does a lot of hard core hacking but adding this in has been helpful. If you are interested I can send links to the physio’s page where she posts pole exercises/videos. But I echo all the others - he’s looking great!

Yes please re links.

 

[sbloom]

I know, so sad! It’s basically the only bit of meat I eat in this country ?

If you let me know where you are I'll see if I know anyone over there.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Yes please re links.

Here is her page. Scroll down - she posts exercises fairly regularly

https://www.facebook.com/PerfectGaitVetPhysio

 

[Michen]

If you let me know where you are I'll see if I know anyone over there.

Denver, Colorado! Thank you! Happy to pay whatever to get someone good. The call out for the western saddle is £250 ?

 

[Michen]

On that, should I be worried about putting a western saddle on Bog, with this under development? I’m looking at ones with a “flex 2” tree which seems to be the best available in terms of comfort and weight distribution for the horse. And obviously involving a professional fitter.

 

[spotty_pony]

In answer to thoughts about hacking in Snow… I’ve Always hacked my boy in it. He is very sensible about ground though and not likely to panic if it balls up in his feet, etc. We’ve had some amazing gallops in the fields in the snow (when we actually used to get proper snow that was!) and I used to enjoy it because it was great to be able to go places in the winter that we wouldn’t normally go because of it being too wet.

 

[Auslander]

In answer to thoughts about hacking in Snow… I’ve Always hacked my boy in it. He is very sensible about ground though and not likely to panic if it balls up in his feet, etc. We’ve had some amazing gallops in the fields in the snow (when we actually used to get proper snow that was!) and I used to enjoy it because it was great to be able to go places in the winter that we wouldn’t normally go because of it being too wet.

Its lovely, isn't it! When I worked in Switzerland, we used to hack the event horses up to this amazing place where you could let them rip once you were at the top where the snow wasn't as deep as it was further down. So much fun!

 

[Michen]

In answer to thoughts about hacking in Snow… I’ve Always hacked my boy in it. He is very sensible about ground though and not likely to panic if it balls up in his feet, etc. We’ve had some amazing gallops in the fields in the snow (when we actually used to get proper snow that was!) and I used to enjoy it because it was great to be able to go places in the winter that we wouldn’t normally go because of it being too wet.

We may be talking about different snow amounts though! What’s on the ground is well over a foot in places around the barn at the moment. I can do a 15/20 min loop where some is deep, some less so but it definitely feels like hard work for him. In places it’s so deep I doubt if I asked him for more than a walk he’d even do it!!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

We may be talking about different snow amounts though! What’s on the ground is well over a foot in places around the barn at the moment. I can do a 15/20 min loop where some is deep, some less so but it definitely feels like hard work for him. In places it’s so deep I doubt if I asked him for more than a walk he’d even do it!!

View attachment 106484

I would only walk in snow that deep.

 

[Michen]

I would only walk in snow that deep.

Lol yes, I’m not even considering anything faster!

 

[sbloom]

Denver, Colorado! Thank you! Happy to pay whatever to get someone good. The call out for the western saddle is £250 ?

I'm afraid I don't know anyone in that part of the US, sorry.

On that, should I be worried about putting a western saddle on Bog, with this under development? I’m looking at ones with a “flex 2” tree which seems to be the best available in terms of comfort and weight distribution for the horse. And obviously involving a professional fitter.

Not in and of itself, though Flex trees, English or Western, aren't always the answer and can cause their own issues. Find the very best fitter you can and take their advice.

 

[Michen]

I'm afraid I don't know anyone in that part of the US, sorry.



Not in and of itself, though Flex trees, English or Western, aren't always the answer and can cause their own issues. Find the very best fitter you can and take their advice.

I’ve enlisted the best one I could! Will see what they say.

 

[spotty_pony]

We may be talking about different snow amounts though! What’s on the ground is well over a foot in places around the barn at the moment. I can do a 15/20 min loop where some is deep, some less so but it definitely feels like hard work for him. In places it’s so deep I doubt if I asked him for more than a walk he’d even do it!!

View attachment 106484

Obviously it depends on the depth and whether it’s powdery or icy snow but I have ridden in snow that deep, but a lot steadier. We have also ridden through HUGE snow drifts at a walk as it was on a track which was on our way home and there was no avoiding then - we were practically swimming though them! ??

 

[TPO]

Flex trees aren't popular with, not sure how to word it, "traditionists"? That's not the right term, emm, they aren't popular with professionals (competitors) or people who work on horseback (ranchers)/spend a lot of time on horseback.





They definitely aren't suitable for roping but I'm guessing that's not high on your to do list!

Worth watching the videos from Rod & Denise Nickel on YouTube about saddle fit and placement. The more you know about bar angles, flare and rock before your fitting appointment the better. https://youtube.com/@westernsaddlefit4729

If you can get the Dr Joyce Harman book and dvd about western saddle fit theybare good resources too. Pain Free Guide to Western Saddle Fitting. DVDs are easily available here so guessing more so in America. The book is out of print and approx £75 second hand here but much more chance of picking up a copy in America or buying the kindle version.

In my experience fitting western saddles correctly is even tricker than English. Part of that is down to a lack of good saddles in the UK but you shouldn't have that issue. What you might struggle with is that Bog isn't a typical QH shape but you're in the right place for an abundance of saddles!

Does your fitter work for a brand or have a large stock of 2nd hand saddles? Jealous of all the western gear easily available to you without import charges!

 

[Michen]

Flex trees aren't popular with, not sure how to word it, "traditionists"? That's not the right term, emm, they aren't popular with professionals (competitors) or people who work on horseback (ranchers)/spend a lot of time on horseback.





They definitely aren't suitable for roping but I'm guessing that's not high on your to do list!

Worth watching the videos from Rod & Denise Nickel on YouTube about saddle fit and placement. The more you know about bar angles, flare and rock before your fitting appointment the better. https://youtube.com/@westernsaddlefit4729

If you can get the Dr Joyce Harman book and dvd about western saddle fit theybare good resources too. Pain Free Guide to Western Saddle Fitting. DVDs are easily available here so guessing more so in America. The book is out of print and approx £75 second hand here but much more chance of picking up a copy in America or buying the kindle version.

In my experience fitting western saddles correctly is even tricker than English. Part of that is down to a lack of good saddles in the UK but you shouldn't have that issue. What you might struggle with is that Bog isn't a typical QH shape but you're in the right place for an abundance of saddles!

Does your fitter work for a brand or have a large stock of 2nd hand saddles? Jealous of all the western gear easily available to you without import charges!

That’s all very useful thanks. They aren’t affiliated to a brand and have lots of second hand and new stock from multiple ones. They asked for photos etc so they have a rough idea of what to bring.

 

[Michen]

Ps if you want anything bought back just say. I’ll be flying back in march with empty suitcases!

 

[TPO]

Ps if you want anything bought back just say. I’ll be flying back in march with empty suitcases!

Don't tempt me! Ha ha Thank you though, that's really kind of you.

 

[ElleSkywalkingintheair]

We hacked in snow that deep and deeper in NY state Mitchen. Horses were hunt horses, mostly imported IDs. They were fine and we just kept to walk on paths we knew were safe. Although when the thaw came we did realise we'd been riding cheerfully past a huge crater that had opened up in a corn field ?

 

[Michen]

We hacked in snow that deep and deeper in NY state Mitchen. Horses were hunt horses, mostly imported IDs. They were fine and we just kept to walk on paths we knew were safe. Although when the thaw came we did realise we'd been riding cheerfully past a huge crater that had opened up in a corn field ?

Haha! I definitely only hack the exact same route that I know is ok, although I’ve not seen the bottom of it for a month or so…

 

[ester]

Keeping his tendons cool at least ?

 

[Caol Ila]

Ps if you want anything bought back just say. I’ll be flying back in march with empty suitcases!

Haha. I know this was not directed at me, but if you so happened to be in a Western tack shop and it so happened to have a useful 5/8 bosal hanger, I would love that. The one I have was one of the few I could find in the UK, and it kind of sucks.