Case Study Elke & Hugo
This lovely ex CCI1* stallion and owner came to me for training as the horse wouldn't work actively when ridden. The owner knew something wasn't right but had been told by others that he was lazy and she needed to ride him with two sticks and spurs. Sometimes we have to prise the wood from the trees and on seeing his back I immediately recognised the need to address his back/saddle situation. No amount of training and ‘activity’ will improve a horse’s back if the causal issue isn’t resolved first.
This horse had been fitted with a very expensive, close contact saddle and the owner had been told by her saddle fitter that the saddle was fine. However, I always tell my clients “A horse’s body never lies” and this horse’s body was shouting that there was a problem. This horse had significant muscle atrophy. The imprint of the saddle panel was very evident. His ribcage shelf and spine were very pronounced. He had stress lines all over his body and was very sore on palpation. If a fitter fits the saddle into an unhealthy back the horses back can never improve, likewise, if a fitter fits a saddle too narrow the horses back will start to take the shape of that narrow saddle width. Either way, the only solution is remedial fitting with an expert remedial fitter to give the horse a chance to heal and improve. Fortunately, I am one such person and with my remedial saddle fitting cap on I was able to help them with all aspects. I set about with a multi-pronged approach, through a combination of remedial fitting and French classical training.
BEFORE help from Kat
This horse was immediately but onto a remedial saddle fitting and training rehabilitation programme. The training programme including a lot of in hand work and the old saddle was not used again. We used correct lunging techniques and targeted in hand work, both static and in movement. After three months of consistent and correct training and no ill-fitting saddle, this horse was almost unrecognisable. It shows how quickly improvements can be made if the right ‘things’ are done to and with the horse. Hugo had no more signs of atrophy. He was no longer sore on palpation. The stress lines that had been so evident across his body were no longer evident. His posture was significantly improved and he was now able to move comfortably with the ‘activity’ that had been missing before. He began to blossom once more into the horse he had previously been.
AFTER help from Kat, only 3 months later
If your horses back looks like Hugos BEFORE photo, or your horse struggles to be ‘active’ and maintain impulsion contact Kat for training or saddle fitting advice thinkingequitation@gmail.com