5-10 September 2011
This week saw an uptake in the rain so we are seeing more rugs coming in for wash and repair.
If what we are hearing on the radio is to be half true we’re in for another tough winter.
Most interesting case this week was a client with a lovely Stubben saddle. Far from being new this saddle looked to be a good age and what was more evident was that it had been musch loved over it’s working life and as a consequence had a lot more life left in it for the lucky owner.
It seemed though as there were a few issues that need to be addressed.
The owner had a Physio out (look up Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists www.iscp.ie for your nearest Chartered Physiotherapist in Veterinary Practice) and it seemed that the saddle was pinching the spine along the length of the saddle where the gullet was too narrow.
Also the knee-rolls were no longer sufficient, due to age and wear on the saddle, to support the riders leg in the saddle during more demanding sessions.
So the needs were two-fold; widen the gullet of the panel of the saddle for the increased comfort of the horse, while at the same time make new knee rolls and cover them in leather.
With cases like this I am at pains to remind myself ,of not upsetting the balance of horse and rider comfort on one hand while giving the rider the utmost chance to give their aids effectively.
I started by removing the panel and taking in the gullet just enough on both sides.
Then due to the unusual colour of the saddle I had to have some leather brought in especially to get as close a match as possible to cover the newly made knee rolls.
When It was all put back together I’m pleased to say the result was a happy client and a much more comfortable horse.
Don’t forget that you can always ask questions or advice through this medium, over the phone or at our workshop.
Untill next week, stay passionately committed to your goals
Kind regards
Alan Ward
Saddler
