> CREATING TEMPLATES OF YOUR HORSE'S BACK FOR SADDLE FITTING > > By Dr. Kerry Ridgway
More from Dr. Ridgway: Saddles are for obvious reasons built symmetrically, so when placed on a horse with muscle hypertrophy (enlargement) on one side, the tree rotates diagonally into a position in order to establish similar contact pressure on both sides of the "wither pocket." Torque of the saddletree, however, may make contact and place excessive pressure on one side of the lightly covered thoracic spines and leaves more open space on the opposing side. Pressure exerted in areas close to bone (with little muscle covering) result in a significant magnification of the pressure. The result of this unilateral pressure is pain, and loss of ability to perform bending and lateral movements. The pressure can also create chiropractic joint issues in the thoracic vertebrae of the withers. The shoulder that is "bulged" laterally may strike the edge of the panel or bar as the scapula moves through its range of motion. This can create significant muscle bruising and serves to further twist the saddle. Because the opposite shoulder typically has more slope, the saddle may tend to fall or slip to the sloping shoulder side of the horse. This is a second reason for pressure on the thoracic spinous processes. The problem of slipping to the side is particularly troubling if the croup is also involved and is lower on the same side. This is can occur when a high/low conditions exists in the hind feet as well. More often, however when the horse is observed in motion, one side of the croup raises more on one side than the other it relates to, muscle balance, chiropractic or joint issues in the hind limbs. Regardless of cause, it creates an even worse scenario for slippage when combined with shoulder asymmetry. You can read the whole article here: http://www.ultimatesaddlesolutions.com/site/1558746/page/848484 Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
