14/01/2023
Sometimes saddle fit issues are not about the saddle - they're about the horse. And sometimes the issues are starting at ground level.
The postural effects caused by underrun heels (actually caudal hoof failure) richochet right through the body.
One of the worst things we can do is fit a saddle firmly around those narrow withers like a clothes peg. Any chance of redeveloping muscle as the hooves improve (because of course, the horse is receiving remedial hoof care, isn't it?) and the posture normalises is limited unless the horse can move correctly. That means creating space for redevelopment without compromising saddle stability.
Again, it's simply the essence of the issue from a bodyworker's point of view. I'm making no claims to be scientific here, but it's what I've been seeing in over 15 years of bodywork practice.
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- Jane
