AboutAnne Stepien Expertise I am knowledgeable regarding Standardbred race horses (trotters and pacers). I can answer general questions, questions regarding conformation, rigging, lameness and some shoeing questions.
Experience I raced standardbreds (primarily trotters) for 9 years on the Grand Circuit and in overnight events for approximately 15 years.
Question I have an approx 14 yo cremello QH ("Edgar") who we rescued from a trail riding stable. He had been ridden for so many years with an ill-fitting saddle, that he has permanent scars that will not grow hair... I also believe he has nerve damage in these areas as well. I refuse to buy him a saddle that does not fit him correctly, but this has posed a real problem.
He has a very straight, strong back, but his withers are decently high, and his shoulders are all together higher than his croup (ah! giraffe pony!). If I line up the scars with the line of his back and croup, it becomes apparent why past saddles have not fit: they all slide back so the tree sits flat on his back, putting it too far back, and driving the gullet into the soft tissue well behind his shoulders (causing the damage).
I am thinking we need to forget finding a western saddle for him all together, and try an aussie. I have ridden him with one before (seemed to make him more comfortable), but it was a little too wide for his withers, so I will have to find him one with a narrower tree and higher gullet. Your thoughts?
He hasn't been ridden regularly with a saddle (maybe three times)for the last two years... trying to get those scars to heal. The hair has grown out around them, but not on them, and the skin is always flaky. Any hope there? Also, I have been told that shaving the long hair around a wound or scar will help avoid friction. Should I do this for him, or will it matter with a saddle that puts no extra pressure there and a super cushy pad?
He is such a smart, sweet boy. Such a shame!
Thanks for your help!
Answer Kimberly,
This question is really not within my expertise---what I know about riding horses you can put in a tea cup and have room left over :)
However, I would suggest getting a saddle made without a tree. http://www.myequinenetwork.com/News/tabid/56/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1...
Hope this info helps. Best wishes getting to the bottom of your problem!
Anne Stepien
You are quite a piece of work! And PLEASE DON'T TAKE THAT AS A COMPLIMENT. I told you the question was outside my expertise and you have the balls to rate it anyway?????????????????
Next time you won't even get the common courtesy of an auto reject answer.
