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Signs of Poor Western Saddle Fit
While horses can't speak, they certainly can communicate. Our job is to listen. When a horse is experiencing pain caused by a poor fitting or defective saddle there will often be physical and behavioral signs that we should be able to pick up. While these signs aren't always attributable to saddle pain, saddle fit is always a good place to start the investigation.
The following are signs from your horse that should alert you to the possibility of poor saddle fit:
Physical Signs
* Sores under the saddle
* White hairs under the saddle
* Friction rubs in the hair
* Muscle atrophy on sides of the withers
* Temporary swelling immediately after removing the saddle
* Scars or hard sports
* Dry patches when the rest of the saddle area is wet with sweat.
* Dropping the back (cringing) when the back is palpated.
Behavior Signs
# Objecting to being saddled or cinched
# Fidgeting and refusing to stand still for mounting
# Hypersensitivity to being brushed
# Uncooperative and cranky when being ridden
# Difficulty standing for the farrier
# Pinning ears, swishing tail, and tossing head under saddle
# Bucking (known as "cold backed") or excessive rolling
# Reluctance to move out and engage hindquarters
Many a horse has been considered bad tempered and uncooperative when he was simply in pain. Properly fitting a horse and saddle can result in a dramatic change in a horse's temperament and turn him into a willing partner.
While horses can't speak, they certainly can communicate. Our job is to listen. When a horse is experiencing pain caused by a poor fitting or defective saddle there will often be physical and behavioral signs that we should be able to pick up. While these signs aren't always attributable to saddle pain, saddle fit is always a good place to start the investigation.
The following are signs from your horse that should alert you to the possibility of poor saddle fit:
Physical Signs
* Sores under the saddle
* White hairs under the saddle
* Friction rubs in the hair
* Muscle atrophy on sides of the withers
* Temporary swelling immediately after removing the saddle
* Scars or hard sports
* Dry patches when the rest of the saddle area is wet with sweat.
* Dropping the back (cringing) when the back is palpated.
Behavior Signs
# Objecting to being saddled or cinched
# Fidgeting and refusing to stand still for mounting
# Hypersensitivity to being brushed
# Uncooperative and cranky when being ridden
# Difficulty standing for the farrier
# Pinning ears, swishing tail, and tossing head under saddle
# Bucking (known as "cold backed") or excessive rolling
# Reluctance to move out and engage hindquarters
Many a horse has been considered bad tempered and uncooperative when he was simply in pain. Properly fitting a horse and saddle can result in a dramatic change in a horse's temperament and turn him into a willing partner.