Saddle Fit clinic: Best money I've spent on my horse so far

Today I attended a full day saddle fitting clinic with Jane Clothier, a bodywork specialist who started studying saddle fitting after seeing so many horses suffering from ill-fitting gear.

It was a really enjoyable day - partly due to the fact it was 8 horse mad ladies in one space swapping stories and being distracted by commenting on passing equines; but mostly because saddle fitting is so insanely important and I so desperately want to learn as much as I can about everything to ensure Kadey is comfortable and happy.

I knew my saddle, a Bates Precieux, didn't fit him; but I had no idea just how much! It's too narrow at the back, the panels are too thin and it sits down on his shoulder due to muscle atrophy over his back (6 months spell + 7 years racing...). Add to that he's very tight and sore (oh hai again, seven years on the race track...) and needs a lot of work.

Strangely, I'm happy about all of this. I know what's up with my horse and can now work on a list of treatments to resolve the problems.

So, from here:

1. Book a saddle fitting session with Graham Aitken, master saddler. I'll have to buy a new saddle so I'm hoping he does a 'pay as you ride' scheme.

2. Try on the third saddle I have, the A/P that came with Kadey. The dressage that came with him is busted and my Precieux doesn't fit so I'm hoping the A/P fits well enough to use until I get a new saddle.

3. Book bodywork sessions pronto.

In the meantime, if the A/P saddle doesn't fit I might ride bareback or try to find some other alternative.

The saddle fitter said something interesting today - just because the horse is initially happy (or at least not markedly unhappy) in a new saddle doesn't mean that saddle fits, they may just be relieved that the old saddle is gone. Which is consistent with Kadey - his old saddle meant that he'd rear and grunt as soon as he was led out of the saddle up area and initially my old saddle didn't. But now that he's had a few rides in my old saddle he's less than thrilled about it and is letting me know. So I'm looking forward to getting a new saddle ASAP!

The farrier also visited today - he got me to buy a small hoof knife to take on minor trimming of Kadey's heels. It's a bit nerve wracking as I don't want to hurt Kadey, but at the same time I'm keen to learn more about horse management and to gradually take on tasks like this. Kadey's hooves were really good (unlike the last visit) and fingers crossed he's not too sore tomorrow when I go out to see him.

Riding solo :)

This morning was our first solo, unassisted ride.

It's exciting because...

1. I rode Kadey and in no way did he attempt to kill me :)
2. I rode before work, proving that my master plan to train, work, succeed is actually possible :)
3. I rode Kadey without my trainer holding my hand (or his hoof) :)

My trainer gave me a riser pad she isn't using the bring the saddle up - it wasn't secure on his back and the seat was tilting down, which caused me to lean back. With the riser in place he's moving forward happily and isn't having the bucking/rearing fits that marked our earlier sessions.

I'll have to remember to take my camera tomorrow to document the process for posterity :)

Lots of smiley faces - Sunday's lesson was great and the better-fitting saddle has opened things up to me again where I can train, ride and be happy :)

My trainer asked me to work on suppling him by asking him to bend his neck and flex his head to the inside of the circle without coming off the track. One side is MUCH easier but I'll work on it until our next lesson.

Now I can start doing training plans and looking to ride out in the open to improve his fitness, rather than riding him in the arena on sand which isn't a great start to bringing him into work. This morning his fetlocks were a bit warm post-ride so I'll have to check it out tomorrow. So far we've only ridden in the round yard aside from a small ride in the full arena; but I'm thinking tomorrow I might start in the round yard then take him over to the arena or for a walk around the property.

Yay for progress!