UPDATES: Saddle fitting, and how Copper is doing

Good news first - The vet has given the go ahead for Copper to start ground work, and light riding next week, or when I feel she's ready.  The swelling in her leg has completely cleared up and she's walking normally.  There is still a lump in the front of her cannon bone but there's a chance that might not go away.  As much as I dislike seeing a blemish like that, if it doesn't affect her soundness, I consider myself lucky.  I'll be keeping a close eye on her to see how she's progressing for the next few weeks.  She won't be up for any hard work for at least a few more weeks and possibly for the rest of the summer, but at least she can do a few beginner walk lessons and participate in Farm Days.

She has handled all of this beautifully.  I had to hose her leg with cold water for 20 minutes, twice a day, for a week and a half.  Can you imagine standing there that long with cold water blasting at your legs?  And then she had to stand there a little longer for me to wrap her leg.  And for four days I was shooting medicine into her mouth.  She's been so patient.  Of course, being Copper, I can tell she's eager to get out there and do stuff instead of standing tied in the shed watching Phoenix have all the work fun!

And in other news - Our appointment with Todd Bailey was very interesting and educational!  I have to admit, my head was very full after an hour and a half of learning more about how the shape of a saddle works with the shape of a horse.

The results are that two of my saddles do not fit either of my stocky little horses.  So, if you're thinking of buying a saddle for a slim horse with narrow withers, give me a call!

Copper was a little easier to fit, with her classic stock horse shape.  So she's good to go.  I understand better now which ones fit best and what kind of saddle pad will keep her more comfortable.  All of my suspicions were correct.  I might get an eye for this after all...

I knew that Phoenix was not comfortable.  You learn to recognize the signs, and after seven years with this horse, I know when he's not happy.  I also know that he is very wide in the shoulders, and his saddle usually moves around a lot, no matter how hard I cinch it down.  Can't be good, right?  Well as it turns out, he needs an extra wide saddle. Mr Bailey even suggested that I look into draft saddles.   Out of the eight we tried on both horses, only one fit him decently.  And here's the bad news: that saddle, known as "Oak Leaf," which has been in my life for well over thirty years, is broken!!  At least I can measure it up and use what I've learned to find something to replace it.  The only other saddle that fit him decently, "Bloomington" has a few problems too though.  The rigging, (cinch attachment) isn't quite in the right place for him, which puts too much pressure on his back once it's cinched down and carrying a rider.


So basically, I'm making do with that one until I can save up to buy something else for him.   In the meantime, he continues to do his job because he's such a good horse. He totally deserves to be comfortable.

Next - I'll tell you how my summer is going and who's been out to ride!

SADDLE FITTING DAY

Here's an opportunity to learn from a professional about correctly fitting a saddle to a horse:

Monday July 14

11:00 am

Here at my place


TODD BAILEY

from Bailey Saddlery in Ridgetown Ontario 



Since my knowledge of saddle fit is far from expert, and I have a horse with a sensitive back, I'm really looking forward to this.  My horses carry around a lot of different riders and therefore different saddles, and I want to do all I can to keep them comfortable.

Would you like to join us that day?  The cost will be the regular group rate of $30 which will go directly to Todd Bailey.  I expect it will take about an hour and a half.  You can let me know any time.

Copper needs time off again

Sadly, Copper will not be in lessons for the next month or so.  She has injured her hind leg.  The vet has advised a treatment routine involving as much rest as possible, cold hosing twice daily, and bandaging.  Basically we're trying to get it healed and avoid scar tissue, which would probably limit her mobility.  She's not limping and seems fine otherwise, so that's good at least.  I'd like to be optimistic that she'll be able to do a few walk-only lessons in a couple weeks, but realistically, it's best not to push my luck.  We want her to heal up nicely!

This little horse has been through so much, but she always bounces back!

So as for lessons…

This week we'll be getting creative.  Phoenix will take as many lessons as he can, and anybody with a semiprivate lesson can choose to keep the date and we'll do some mounted/ unmounted games.  I'm in the process of looking for a horse to lease for the summer.  Even when Copper has the go-ahead I won't be pushing her hard physically, so this might be time for me to bring in a third horse.  I'll keep you updated.