There are many myths that have been going around with regards to saddlery and the use thereof. In this series of posts, I endeavour to show most of them are without foundations and can, in some cases, be the opposite of the actual facts.
Pictured right is author Kay Hastilow, Master Saddler and Master Saddle Fitter.
Since my post on this topic in January, it has become apparent that this year, 2021, has been a horror for this problem. Far worse than in a normal year and affecting everyone it seems, from riding club types to top class horses.
I’m not sure that I know the reason for this although there are a few suggestions, and I’m not certain that I have any better advice than I have already given, but I thought it would be good to share what we have found out, along with ideas that have been tried.
As to causes, there are suggestions that, as it has been a cold winter this makes the coat stand up more than usual, possibly with a small, raised area by each hair follicle, rather like goose bumps. Possible? I don’t know but worth a thought.
An observation that I have made is that the horses have been very reluctant to let go of their winter coats this year. Usually, I am covered in hair at every fit by the end of February but this year my own horses have just started shedding (mid-March), yesterday being the first day that there was plenty of coat to shift. If this observation is universal , then a two-to-three-week delay in growth of the summer coat would obviously not just mean that new coat isn’t filling in the bald patches, but also that the old, dead coat is getting far more wear than usual. As this problem is across the board I think that there must be something that has caused this and if anyone has any other ideas as to why this has happened this year, then I would be interested to hear them.
As to treatments, preventions and the like, again, a few observations. DO NOT USE SHEEPSKIN IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM AND EXPECT IT TO HELP. The wool seems to hold and pull the hairs, causing soreness and rubbing. Likewise, the silicone gel grip type pads that are popular at the moment. By this I mean the ones with holes in them, often bound with a bit of sheepskin. A double whammy there as both materials will catch and pull the coat.
Take a good look at the saddle cloth that you are using. One client sent me a photo of the underside of the cloth and there were huge rub marks in the material – it had just worn away, which is hardly going to help. Also, take a look at the bindings. On a horse in motion the saddle will travel forward and back, side to side as it is a static object on a dynamic animal in which the shape and length of the back is constantly changing. The saddle cloth will be moving with the saddle and the bindings can really catch and pull the hair.
Take a look at these two photographs (left and below) sent to me by another saddle fitter showing how much hair had gathered beneath the binding. When he pulled the binding back there was a veritable fur coat beneath!
Another fitter was surprised to see two even vertical rub marks behind the saddle. They corresponded exactly with the binding on the saddle cloth so that was the culprit, not the saddle as that was a good inch further forward so couldn’t take any of the blame.
Things that have
been tried? Silicon spray or a touch of coconut oil if the rubs are caught
early enough seem to help, but this year even this isn’t totally preventing it.
Hardening the skin isn’t much use this far along because until you get some
coat growth it won’t help a lot. Line your saddle cloth with silk? It might
work but not sure if anyone has tried this. I know that satin catches, as I
have tried that in the past.
In all honesty, if a horse’s back is bald and looking pink I think the only answer is to stay off that back for the moment. Lunge, long rein or ride and lead until you start to see growth. Amazingly it seems that as soon as you do start to see that blush of new coat the problem resolves it’s self very quickly.
If anyone has any theories as to why this year has been so bad for this, or if anyone has found a successful way to deal with it, I'm sure that everyone reading this would love to know, so do share please. Every day is a school day after all.
Understanding more about saddles and saddle fitting has the potential to help you improve your horse's comfort, performance and also long-term soundness - and you can now do that online, whenever and wherever fits into your busy lifestyle.
With
online learning and training credibly established as 'the new normal', Kay's highly acclaimed and
informative 2-part video series continues to sell around the world since
its
launch in 2019. Aptly titled Saddle Fitting Know How - For Riders and
Trainers,
the two videos distil her 50 years of experience into over an hour of
what is
an unrivalled go-to resource for all Riders and Trainers interested in
saddles
and saddle fitting. They contain a wealth of information that will be of
practical relevance to everyone serious about improving their riding,
competing with more success or at a higher level and for those whose
career is focused on training riders to develop their horses correctly.
Watch a brief trailer and buy securely online for unlimited streaming or downloading to your device at
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/saddlefittingknowhow
If you are working as a saddle fitter or in training for a career in saddle fitting, Kay's 8-part video series titled Fitting Saddles: The Essential Guide will support your learning and help you develop a more in-depth knowledge of the subject and include invaluable insights into running a successful business as an SMS qualified saddle fitter.
Watch
a trailer and invest in one or more of the series that together form a
definitive resource to enhance your understanding of saddles and saddle
fitting.
Buy securely online for unlimited streaming or downloading to your device at
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/fittingsaddles
No comments:
Post a Comment