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!