Scratch the show or use the cushion?

[Tootsie4U]

Instinct is screaming to me that Bon's saddle needs attention. My saddler has moved away, so I've been looking for a replacement. Found one that came highly recommended. She's booked till August.

Found another, he's busy for the next three weeks.

One more, out in Massachusets, about two hours away. He hasnt returned my call yet.

So, Im in a pickle. Show is on Saturday. Scratch? I'd hate to as its my only opportunity left this year to give Bon some exposure.

Made a trip to the tack shop yesterday and picked up an orthopedic pad. its not too thick, only about a half inch and is made of foam. How will something like that affect saddle fit? I wouldnt want to make things worse.

[Mehitabel]

depends what's wrong with the saddle fit. if it's low and wide, then the cushioning is fine while you're waiting for a saddler. if it's pinching, then extra padding will make it worse.

[Tootsie4U]

According to my wintec gague, the gullet is fine. I did the "push on the pommel" check and its balanced. I dropped a pen in the seat and it came to rest right in the center.

I think the flocking by the points have squished away and there's not much protection. I think he's being jabbed in the shoulder area.

[galadriel]

A foam saddle pad won't change the way the saddle fits. If it's thick, and part of the problem is narrowness, it'll make it worse. Seems to me that's been his problem before? Adding back muscle and the saddle getting narrower?

If the problem is the back is changing shape, and there are pressure points (the reason I'm currently reflocking Kat's saddle), a thick foam pad may be enough of a band-aid to get through one show. I'd suggest letting his back rest until then--no riding in the saddle until day of, put saddle on for as little time as possible, take it back off again ASAP. However, if you're going to do that, may as well not even use the pad. You know how the saddle fits without it; if you're only going to be using the saddle for a few minutes, then go with what you know.

[Mehitabel]

what she said.
good luck! (and get someone to take pictures)

[Tootsie4U]

Well, I entered us into three classes (two ridden) so it may end up stressing him. May only get to do the one ridden.

I thought the same Gal and have given him all week off. I do plan to ride him tonight tho, so he's not so cranked up at the show (tends to behave better after working a day or two before) so might try it with the pad tonight and depending on what he does, use it or not use it on Saturday. Plenty of linament tonight to help him.

[galadriel]

Mmm...remember: pressure points typically cut off circulation; 20 minutes without circulation is enough to start damaging muscle. Ride quick ;) Or bareback!

But seriously, if you try to ride for short periods of time, you may be all right. Try rubbing his back afterwards to restimulate circulation too; I've been reading that liniment tends not to have a very deep effect (just surface). Gentle rub might help some on top of the liniment.

Edit: I second Es on the pictures :)

[Tootsie4U]

Pictures, I promise :)

Ten minutes (please please please Bonfire, cooperate tonight!!! ) :D

We'll be a Morgan in an open hunter show. I dont expect to do well, considering his canter is 90mph and his naturally high head. But, hey, Im not doing this for anyone but him. We'll have fun no matter what. Point is, dont be looking for blues or reds in the photos :D:D:D:D

[Sarah]

Originally posted by Tootsie4U
But, hey, Im not doing this for anyone but him. We'll have fun no matter what. Point is, dont be looking for blues or reds in the photos :D:D:D:D

In that case, I'd say scratch the show and wait for the saddler, though that is not the best answer to hear!

[Tootsie4U]

True Sarah, true. Smart of you to catch that :D