[ladybugsgirl]

So under saddle my horse can really be a brat and she gets rushy...Well my instructor thinks she is not the horse for me and thinks I should see her....Which really upset me cuz she has noooo idea what the horse was like...Well I rode Lady today bareback and she was a complete angel my instructor and my boss were both shocked with how well she looked and how well she did....So I am wondering what I might be doing wrong in the saddle that is causing her to act completly different

 

[lilkitty90]

maybe her saddle is properly fitted to her? it may be pinching her and hurting her. if it isn't fitted then get it fitted or get a new one that will fit her!!

 

[azarni]

Yeah, I'm guessing saddle fit too.

 

[eventnwithwinston]

Saddle fit is most likely the cause... but videos and pictures would be really helpful for determining the reason.

 

[ridergirl23]

ya im geussing saddle fitting problem too

 

[justsambam08]

I agree....if its ONLY under saddle, then I think your saddle is the problem.

 

[mom2pride]

For such a drastic difference with the saddle, vs without, I would definitely be looking at saddle fit.

 

[ladybugsgirl]

ive had the saddle looked at and fitted and it fits fine....my instructor thinks its me....that i squeeze with my thighs/legs but yet telling her to whoa and the horse isn't happy.

 

[justsambam08]

wouldn't you do this bareback as well, especially since you don't have stirrups?

 

[LolHorse]

Perhaps your tense under saddle vs. bareback? Because I know when am riding bareback am more carefree then in the saddle..I would go with the saddle fit though like everyone above me. xD

 

[dressagexlee]

A horses back is always changing. It depends on the horse as to how drastic. Get the saddle fit checked by a professional, and also look out for problems such as shifted vertebrae that may only be bothered when a saddle is on her back.

 

[westonsma]

She might by cinchy...

A little brown guy I'm riding has really bad withers... there really isn't anything for the saddle to hold onto, so I have to suck him up pretty good to keep it from slipping. He doesn't like being cinched up AT ALL. So, I switched to a different cinch, a felt covered one as opposed to a neoprene, and he quit acting up.

 

[5cuetrain]

Sounds like you and your instructor don't seem to agree. Could be lots of things--the saddle means work, the horse is cinchy, you are not riding correctly, etc. I would tend to rule out bad saddle fit and spine problems--you said that you had someone check the saddle and fit, spine problems are pretty easy to check.

Either trust the instructor and go with what they say or find another. But for sure you need to listen and learn from whoever you are paying for the training.

 

[MacabreMikolaj]

You can fit a saddle all you like, it doesn't mean the horse will agree with even the most professional of saddlers. Proper saddle fit is based on human assumption - and are we the ones who have to wear the saddle?

Personally, I would immediately start trying different saddles. If she's reacting the same to all of them, she's either cranky about a saddle or it's something you're doing.

 

[ladybugsgirl]

Ok the saddle was checked and it fits fine. I tend to be way more relaxed and feel soo much better bareback....I know that some of the problems under saddle are because of me as well as something else bothering her (my position does tend to be worst with a saddle)...Ive had three different people that have great judgement with saddle fitting look at the saddle and they all said it looks great on her.

 

[kchfuller]

1. Do you ground mount or use a mounting block? (the reason i ask this is because I am not a big fan of ground mounting unless you are GOOD at it and light enough- when you ground mount you are pulling the saddle over and it can pinch or displace the "properly placed" saddle)

2. Have you tried a Chiropractor? (please make sure you use an equine one- I would suggest asking your vet to recommend one)

3. Are you using too many or not enough pads?

Just some ideas

 

[ladybugsgirl]

I am having the saddle re evaluated again on wed..... and to answer kchfuller's questions.

1. I use a mounting block, the only time I don't is when I am trail riding and one isn't present.
2. I have not tried chiroprator work on her.....
3. I use a pad and half pad when I ride.

 

[kchfuller]

If you want to try a chiropractor that might be something ... I used one on my mare and it was a great help/experience and I could tell that she moves much more comfortable after. I had him out 3 times and when I will do followups every 3 or 4 months or so.

Do you use a half pad and a thick square pad or a thin baby pad? Maybe the padding is uncomfortable for her, some horses are super sensitive ...

 

[rocky pony]

I agree with the recent posts, get an equine chiropractor out..that could definitely be the problem.
And it would be good to work on being relaxed in the saddle, too.


Good luck =)

 

[New_image]

It does not have to be the current saddle fit or you - It can be something that happened before. We have a rescued mare here who was ridden by a 300 pound beginner man while she was 100+ pounds under weight with I am sure a improperly fit saddle. The end result... Shes shy of the saddle and rides bad with the saddle on for anyone by myself. However bareback, she is great for anyone.

You could be dealing with something similar. Its not always improperly fit tack.