BACK CARE
The Bridge between the power and steering!
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No matter what activity is expected of you horse, is needs a healthy back to function properly. As people know, horses were not designed to be ridden and their backs need care and preparation before they are started under saddle as well as care during their ridden career.
Once under saddle, attention must be made for correct saddle fit. One common mistake is to make a horse wait until it is older before investing in a decent saddle. By that time damage may already be done to the horse's back and/or the horse may have learnt some behavioural or positional issues due to being uncomfortable or even sore.
Dr Victoria Hamilton's special interest is in care of the horse's back. She runs clinics to help riders learn how to develop their horses' backs both under saddle and through using in-hand work and cross training. This is so important not only for the young horse beginning it's career under saddle but also for horses that may be coming back into work after injury - back related or not! If you are interested in finding out more about this then head over to the Dr Victoria Hamilton website and FB page.
Speciality saddle pads are an area that is expanding rapidly as new materials become available. Pads can be used to help alleviate pressure, to balance saddles or to reduce slipping and movement. Newer products also help minimise heat build up.
Girths are also an area where there are many options. Different shapes and materials can make a huge difference. The shape of the girth depends on the horse's conformation as to where its girth groove is in relation to its saddle platform area. Materials can vary from sheepskin covered, fabric, neoprene or leather. Some are elastic, some not and some have an equalizing system. Girths should be selected after the correct saddle has been found and fitted for your horse as the choice may be affected by the placement of the girth straps on the saddle. A lovely memory foam, equalizer girth and a memory foam anatomically shaped, elastic girth are available online at the VH Saddlery shop.
Once under saddle, attention must be made for correct saddle fit. One common mistake is to make a horse wait until it is older before investing in a decent saddle. By that time damage may already be done to the horse's back and/or the horse may have learnt some behavioural or positional issues due to being uncomfortable or even sore.
Dr Victoria Hamilton's special interest is in care of the horse's back. She runs clinics to help riders learn how to develop their horses' backs both under saddle and through using in-hand work and cross training. This is so important not only for the young horse beginning it's career under saddle but also for horses that may be coming back into work after injury - back related or not! If you are interested in finding out more about this then head over to the Dr Victoria Hamilton website and FB page.
Speciality saddle pads are an area that is expanding rapidly as new materials become available. Pads can be used to help alleviate pressure, to balance saddles or to reduce slipping and movement. Newer products also help minimise heat build up.
Girths are also an area where there are many options. Different shapes and materials can make a huge difference. The shape of the girth depends on the horse's conformation as to where its girth groove is in relation to its saddle platform area. Materials can vary from sheepskin covered, fabric, neoprene or leather. Some are elastic, some not and some have an equalizing system. Girths should be selected after the correct saddle has been found and fitted for your horse as the choice may be affected by the placement of the girth straps on the saddle. A lovely memory foam, equalizer girth and a memory foam anatomically shaped, elastic girth are available online at the VH Saddlery shop.