Anyone use a crupper

[cloang]

After umpteen visits by saddle fitters and purchasing numerous pads, numnahs, non-slip saddlecloths etc I have been advised by the saddle fitter this morning that a crupper may be the only option.

Only problem is I hate them, dont know why, just do:o.

Does anyone use them? if so opinions or recommendations please:D.

Oh, should say its for my daughters 12hh little mare, whose saddle slips forward constantly.

Hope someone can help

Ang

[Alfies-slave]

Yes!

Have a look at the Zilco cruppers. They are made out of soft synthetic so they can be kept hygenic and don't rub. Cruppers these days are a lot nicer than they used to be. A nice chunky one is preferable to a simple strap.

Lots of Endurance riders use them as a kindness to the horse... they don't have to girth so tight.

If you are using a crupper for the first time, you need to 'break' the horse to it over a few days.

Start off by gently lifting the tail and laying your arm under it. Gently lay the tail overy your arm, your arm is where the crupper would go.

Once the horse is happy with this, get a piece of old broom handle, or a chunky stick. Wrap a bandage round it so it is soft. Put this under the tail instead of using your arm.

When the horse is happy with this, introduce the crupper.

Remember to give the horse warning when you come to remover the crupper, giving them a little scratch or rub at the base of the tail lets them knw that something is about to happen. Unbuckle the crupper, don't be tempted to slide it down the tail.

When introducing a crupper pay extra attention to gently raising or lowering the tail. A little vasaline on the underside of the dock will make things more comfortable for the horse till the skin hardens up. If all this is done sympatheticly you won't end up with a horse who is crupper shy.

During normal use you should be able to fit 4 fingers between the crupper strap and the rump. This is when the rider is mounted. If your saddle squishes down a lot when the rider mounts you need to check it whilst the rider is on board. Start off with it a little slacker till the horse gets the hang of it.

The horse should feel no discomfort or anxiety from a well fitting, well introduced crupper. It will however feel discomfort from a saddle that constantly slips.

If you still don't like the idea of cruppers you could try a breast girth, or a breeching. You can use a breeching for riding. However, for a childs pony I would'nt go down this route because it means there is more for the child to get caught up in!

[cloang]

Thank you Alfies-slave, that is a wonderful amount of information:D.

Off to have an explore and see what I can find on the internet.

Thanks for the tips on fitting as well:D

Ang

[Mehitabel]

some of our school ponies use them in summer when the grass bellies balloon. agree with AS on fitting etc and getting them used to it.

[Wally]

We use thamon most of the Icelandics and all the Shetlands, it you want a leather/linseed one I can make you one to fit.

If they are good enough for the Sp[anish riding school...............