EEEeeek. These aren't very flattering... I should have hoisted myself in two point prior to her snapping them to bring my leg back and then sat but didn't think of it. Was just trying to get my way too big t-shirt out of the way... which looks weird. Plus they were in a hurry to get home so I felt bad holding them up. Whatever. I'm sitting a LOT on my bum here ... but do you think this saddle looks like a reasonable fit for me? I feel good in it and get about 3 solid fingers from the cantel to muh bum though in this pic you may not believe it...
His hock is still swollen - I can't see lameness though. I might but I think I'm imagining what I do see. Went on a trail ride with 3 other horses yesterday (after the free lounging sound and the vet telling me to work him and nix the bute) - he was perfect. Well, except for eating everything he could reach. We were the tail, so I couldn't boot him forward without running him up the butt of the gelding in front of us so I kept tipping his nose to me and stealing his 'finds'. It was a 30 minute or so walk. After this pic today I pulled off the saddle, lounged him and rode him at walk bareback to see if I could feel anything 'off'. Not really. I would just feel SO much better if the swelling would just leave. Go. Be gone swelling on one of the most important joints of my horse... BE GONE. I don't have the heart to work him hard if there's inflammation in there and he is on turnout. So, sent him fluid dissipating wishes...
Sending fluid dissipating wishes...
ReplyDeleteHis hock does look a TinY titch swollen still:(
Tincture of time, coldhosing, lots of movement..(i.e. turnout)
This type of swelling might never completely disappear, but it's hopefully like "stocking up". Not pretty, but not lameness causing..
If he's sound, he's good!
You won't know until you work him, ya know.
IF, big IF, he's got a chip floating around in there, it'll take time for it to fuse, with no harm done.
Saddle looks great! Can you move your butt a half inch closer to the pommel? Oh, never mind, it's your t-shirt in the way!
Lookin' good, AB!
GL - Yeah my position is crappy I didn't even think of it - just popped up for a sec for her to snap pics. It FEELS good. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteYeah... I think you're completely right. I did walk and trot him yesterday and he felt good. He LOOKS sound to me and I'm pretty good at picking up subtle lamenes... but ugh.
If it feels good and you are comfortable and safe ... Give him time that joint is important yes and gets a lot of movement and flex which will keep circulation good ,but might also slow the tai end of the healing proccess.
ReplyDeleteI see your ugh, raise you a blech.
ReplyDeleteI know, hon. Don't blame yourself. I had a horse owned by another woman come to "my" place for a schooling show with "my" kids & horses.
Horse backed very deliberately into, and kicked my Chinooks, right in the hock. I was (shall we say mildly) annoyed.
You can't change it, it's
(big sigh)
Just Horses.
Big dumb dinosaurs..
:)
What wise old FV and you said:)
Oh, except for the "my position is crappy" part.
Yup, lower leg is a hair forward. EverybodyY does ThaT. It's comfy! It's easy!
Your heel looks darned good! very supple and deep. Excellent!
Made me stretch up my back, lookin' at you sitting so straight and tall.
Also, excellent!
Ab- what type of pad are you using?
ReplyDeleteAB, do you by chance have any lower back issues? I sit like that if I'm sore there. Try letting your legs hand long from the stirrup, and stretch your arms up over your head...and stretch. Think that your knees are pointing at the ground. Shift until you can feel both the seat bones (that feel like sled runners), while stretching, are on either side of his spine. Then, rotate your arms so they are palms upwards, and lower your arms to your sides with your shoulders back. You should feel pretty lined up, and not perched. OH, and turn your heels out for a moment, it should sink you into the saddle a hair more.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was tired yesterday, I started hollowing my back. I hate that. Most of us do it though. Notice, no pics of me on my blog yesterday. lol
OMG... Mortified. I swear I just hopped up on him and sat down for 2 seconds and didn't even think of my position. I really don't ride like that. Really. I. Swear. To. G*d.
ReplyDeleteI HAVE to get more pictures and some video of me riding to show you guys otherwise now. EEeeeekkk!
Normally I hop on grab the reins and roll up into two point for a couple strides at the walk and sit back down. I did not do this b/c ... I was just concerned a/b my butt FITTING in the saddle... :/ Won't take a picture of just that ever again! :/
ncc - I have a baby pad on him with a Thinline Countour pad over that(the black pad) - they come in white and black. Supposed to be the best for their backs (and yours!) I do like it and so does he.
HP - I was being lazy ... really... I don't ride like that...
ReplyDeleteI need an embarassed emoticon...
AB it isn't terrible. I tend to look for something to fix...it's my job ya know. lol Do try the stretch anyway. It really helps, even good position improves. It all about alignment and balance. Ask Sally Swift. lol
ReplyDeleteOh, and nice saddle. Too bad the flaps are so forward and short...lmao. Sorry, couldn't help but take the jab at the non-dressage saddle. Bet GL really likes it though.
ReplyDeleteI have a student selling a Stubben, close contact, nearly new for $500. It is 16.5 though.
Humpfh, big ol' meanie, HP.
ReplyDelete;)
Berry, berry nice saddle!
Let her show some us real pictures, why don't ya?
I'll have to, well, you know..
Say something else positive.
Cold Tight Hock, to Gator!
Nice heel down, there, AB.
(kicks dust at HP)
<")
Oh, and not to be really annoying or anything, but try new saddle without the new-fangled thin-line thingy-dingy? Just for this old broad's inquiring mind?
ReplyDeleteSaddle looks good 'n level on his back.
With you in it.
plingli was last word verf.
Just so you know;)
Hey have any of you tried those supracor pads. They look kind of cool. I'm just not willing to pay what they want for them. I'm not sure how much difference they really make. Anybody know?
ReplyDeleteAb= don't even bother with all that crap HP says to get a better seat/leg. Why bother? Just buy new boots. That's what I plan to do and then start jumping.
ReplyDeletencc - Ahahahahaha! New EXPENSIVE nice boots fix everything really. My old half chaps and paddock boots have to be the problem... :) I was thinking of just going to a dressage test and hauling on Gator's mouth... he REALLY likes it when I do that. :)
ReplyDeleteGL - I will try it with my fleece pads and also with a plain pad. I actually think some fluff will fix any fit issues. It is MUCH flatter on his back than his old saddle - definitely sits down wehre it should.
hp - Don't worry I don't take it personal. :) In fact if I was sitting on him like that during a lesson and riding that way I'd hope you say something! :) I'd deserve it. I do those exercises though during warm ups and a lot of two point.
I haven't seen the supracor pads... I'll have to check into them. The Thinline wasn't that bad - less than $100. It's cushy and somehow breathes - doesn't feel as though ti would but he seems comfy and they claim it breathes really well.
As for the short flaps... look how deep that seat is and the flaps are straighter than my last saddle! I've been riding in a cc - I feel enveloped in this but SO secure! It's nice ... but yeah it's really sort of a all purpose style but that suits what we do. It's berry comfy!
snicker....
ReplyDeleteOh, you all are so BAD!
SupraCOR. Sounds like a SuperHero Pad.
Oh,crap, I'm still punchy..
Maybe a little (or lot) of trotting on asphalt will take care of that hock issue.
ReplyDeleteAnd quit hanging in that poor horses mouth, FCS.
ReplyDeleteHahahahhahaha!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll canter him on some asphalt... I'll find the soft variety though, it's good for them, didn't you hear?
I'll tell the 10 yaer old holding him to get her fingers out of his mouth... it is really rude :)