working properly = sore back?

[dilbert]

Just pondering......if a horse has always had a rubbish saddle and carried himself incorrectly resulting in a sore back etc is it possible that then with a new better saddle and working differently could also lead to some soreness as he adapts to his new way of working?

Frankie couldn't cope with the physio treatment (he absolutely detested it) so still has some residual muscle tightness anyway from previous experiences but I'm hoping with some bowen treatments, massage and taking it slow and stretching etc we will eventually get there.....

 

[Brownmare]

Absolutely, you will have to take time to get him used to a more correct way of going and lots of massage and stretching will definitely help. Good luck

 

[alesea]

It sounds like you're doing the right thing, taking it slowly etc. Probably the only thing I'd say is to get you're new saddle checked regularly as muscle builds back up, as he should get wider, and if you don't address saddle fit as he gets wider then the muscle will start to shrink again, undoing all of your good work!

Just to add, we've found lunging to be really beneficial to all our horses when we're trying to help strengthen them (from the unbroken 3yo, to the ex-racer with no back muscle to speak of, to the eventer). No fancy tack, just a lunge cavesson, and get them going in a nice slow tempo. It really gets them working through and over the back, and they stretch down nicely. It might help to loosen him up a bit and relax, especially if he's a little bit sore from all the new work.