>Sensation stirrup hangers be CONTRIBUTING FACTORS to white hairs in endurance<
Dana rec. that riders who do endurance use ONLY hard use OR preferably the endurance leathers which attach to the base of the flap with no velcro stirrup attachment under the seat. ..much better for reduction of potential pressure from the stirrup attachment. A lot depends on your weight . Heavier riders need BOTH the maximum padding & the endurance leathers also as per Dana. The maximum padding according to Dana is either the Burr Pad or a Skito Dryback with 3/4" FIRM Equalizer foam with additional 1/4" felt liners to start. Panels in the interior of the saddle also need to be checked & replaced more often because of the intense use as well. If the internal black felt removeable panels become compressed at the edges, un equally worn, become overly floppy, or worn in certain places..they need to be replaced at $65.00 CDN per set easily done in minutes by the rider. Some riders (as per Dana) also need an addtitional 100% sheepskin pad placed under the BURR or beefed up Skito to help with friction/heat build up. White hairs need to be assessed on a case by case basis as there are many, many factors involved. Heat retention, friction, & pressure all can be contributing factors as well as how the rider (and how much) stands in the stirrups & how balanced the rider rides in general AND over the course of the ride. Many people as well as horses fatique & carry themselves differently over the course of endurance rides, which can have negative impact to both. Most of my clients who do CTR/Endurance have personalized exercise & nutrition programs which they do on a daily basis to stay fit for the intense atheletic activity they do as well as staying at a good weight for both their sake & the sake of the horse. It goes without saying that the horses need a training/nutrition program too , because they are indeed extreme atheletes & should be treated as such with ongoing bodywork , assessment of hoof care needs, dental, & appropriate supplementation (all the above as per Dana as well). BTW, it's a good idea for all Sensation owners to check the internal black felt panels for wear esp. those who ride a lot. Sorry, but there is no pat answer for this issue and in some situations if the Sensation isn't working , then other options need to be explored. No one brand of saddle works for all riders in all situations. Kaaren
