A proper fitting saddle is extremely important for many reasons. An unbalanced saddle can throw the rider off balance causing the horse to be unbalanced. In addition, a poor fitting saddle can cause an array of other problems and pain.
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PHYSICAL evidence of Poor Saddle Fit
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* obvious sores
* white hairs
* temporary swelling after removing saddle
* scars or hard spots in muscle or on skin
* friction rubs on hair-saddle moves side-to-side too much
* behavioral issues
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BEHAVIORAL problems related to back pain
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* objects to being saddled
* unable to stand still or relax when being mounted
* hypersensative to brushing
* bad attitude
* difficult to trim feet or shoe
* bucks or rolls excessively
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PERFORMANCE
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* slow to warm up or relax
* resists work
* front and/or hind leg lameness
* inability to travel straight
* unwilling or unable to round back or neck
* bucks or rears under saddle
* increased resistance as riding session progresses
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All of the above can be caused by an improperly fitting saddle and can also lead to misalignments in the horses vertabrae, shoulders, legs and pelvis.
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