Having saddle related problems?

The Citori Saddling System Has been designed to help you understand the ever-changing shape of the horse‘s back. We show you how to identify and correct saddle-related problems through our Citori Saddle Clinics. Some of these problems may be: unnatural hoof growth and wear; wasted, damaged and or poor muscle development; unnatural movement; poor performance; behavioural problems while being saddled or ridden. These problems are often caused by previous injuries, discomfort, pain and/or restriction due to an ill fitting saddle.

"In the beginning the horse seemed to go well.."

However, if the saddle doesn't fit the horse correctly, the more you work him, the more pronounced the problems will become. The continued use of an ill-fitting saddle can cause an aching muscle to develop into severe back pain. This can turn an easygoing horse into one that has an "attitude", with behavioural and training problems. When you train your horse regularly. He will gain muscle until he is fully fit and muscled up. The horse’s wither and shoulder measurement, taken before and after training, can show up to half an inch difference. His muscles will become "pumped" like those of a body builder or high performance athlete. When this occurs, it is imperative that they do so without impediment.

If your saddle is causing restriction, you will, in due course, end up with a horse that has wasted muscle. This is usually seen around the side of the withers and will show up as hollow depressions. It may also be evident along the top line, the neck, the back and in the quarters of the horse.
The horse may also have one shoulder larger than the other, this usually means the horse has one diagonal stronger than the other. Despite your best efforts, you may also find that the horse is unable to gain weight and muscle.

An Ill-Fitting Saddle Can Cause:

• A reluctance to go forward and laziness to the leg aid.

• He may speed up ( his natural instinct to run from unpleasantness).
• The horse is difficult to work on the bit and to bend.
• He may be reluctant to canter on one lead and find lateral movement difficult on one, or both, reins. Unnatural movements, like hopping into a trot transition or continually falling in or out on circles, are also symptoms.
• The horse will not start and stop through using his quarters (i.e.: always on the forehand).
• His general behaviour can deteriorate, and he may display an agitated and tense manner when being schooled, but is somehow fine while out hacking.
• The horse can have behavioural fits when asked to bend and flex during dressage.
• When he jumps, he may dangle a front or hind leg, putting in short strides before take off, or seem clumsy. The horse starts to refuse or has behavioural fits between the jumps.

You may also notice your horse stepping into imaginary holes with the hind legs (almost as though a leg has collapsed under him). The horse appears bumble footed and stumbles a lot. He can also find walking down hills difficult, mincing his steps. While being saddled, the horse becomes bad tempered and can be girth shy.

"Continued use of an ill-fitting saddle will in time reshape the back of your horse. . "

What can be overlooked?
Horses can outgrow current saddles within 2 weeks, dependant on the type of schooling and conditioning the horse receives..
Young horses, before they reach maturity, can outgrow several sizes of saddles..
It is important to know how to monitor your horse’s back and recognize what changes have taken place..

"The fit of your saddle, be it good or bad, has a direct bearing on your horse’s performance. We really do need to know the difference.... "