cruppers

[lor]

I have the saddle slippingforward problem. Flat backed po, no withers and croup high. I have used suitable, reputable saddle companies, have had a saddle made and still have the same problem. came off yesterday after jumping, saddle slipped up her neck=she bronked=i fell off and have busted my finger. so do i try a crupper?, i bought a 'non slip pad' previously but it didnt make a difference.:confused: help pls;)

[Wally]

We use cruppers on all our Icelandics, many don't really need them, but we used them for novice or first time trekkers, as if the saddle slipped, out on a trek, the rider would not know and it stops them getting to the point of no return and saves a client falling out the front door.

So long as they are kept clean and soft they can be the answer to a no shoulderd, big barreled, squat pony.

[lor]

Thanks Wally, i did search the forums after posting (wrong way round) and saw some of the comments made by you and others. Its funny, some seem adamant that it caused spine problems, but when i spoke to a vet they didnt agree:confused: ;)

In your experience, If they come into force, do they remain under pressure or is it that they stop any forward movement so when you have reached the bottom of a very steep incline (decline) the saddle has remained where it should be and because gravity no longer pulls it forward, there is no more pressure on the crupper?, My saddle fits as well as is poss. for my pony, money is not an object, her comfort is priority, i just think her shape prevents anything from staying put when jumping or riding over extreme terrain. I did jump in a thin numnah today, instead of the thick one was given this advice by poosmate, did the girth up and extra hole, just for the jumping and it stayed in place, still gonna get things checked tho.

[Wally]

The Spanish Riding school use them!

There should only be pressure on the tail for a short time, If it's constant you will get a sore pony.

When it's fitted you should be able to get 4 fingers under it on the level before you get up top. This will give you enough play and it will come into action after the saddle has only moved a short way.

If they are fitted too tight, and the crupper is always pulling on the tail, then I expect you will be in for trouble. But all the time I have used them, I have never had anything go wrong with them or the horse.

All the Shetlands wear them.

[Jiouxles]

We have a flat, round ponio at the yard who is an absolute demon jumper but would end up wearing her saddle as a hat if not for her crupper. It doesn't seem to do her any harm and, as Wally says, if fitted correctly why not? It must be really off putting for your pony, as well as you, to have the saddle going forward all the time.

I went to an 'espectaculo' of The Dancing Andalusian Horses of the Royal Riding School of Jerez three weeks ago and they were ALL wearing cruppers!