Annette came to give 'Mr F' a once-over as his behind was stiffening up and he showed clear discomfort. It was also noticable when riding and I don't enjoy riding a horse that is not comfortable.
We had a look at 'Mr F's saddle (the dressage saddle I bought off 'Lillian') and it really is not fitting any longer at all. The stitching has to be taken off at the front and the metal has to be adjusted - widened and made symmetric again. I had always said it needed to be widened but nobody listened, why should a 'beginner' know anything ....
'Lillian' kindly offered us a temporary saddle that fits better but it is still too narrow at the shoulders.
What annoys me about it all is that when our saddle was fitted the first time I did mention it may have to be made wider ... but back then I was told that it will be fine the way it is and that the saddle just needed lifting at the back.
I knew very little about saddle fitting back then and don't know much more about it know. It has since been fitted a 2nd time but still nothing was changed at the front, despite me voicing my concerns again. All they did was refilling the padding at the back to level out the saddle. But with it being too tight at the front it kept sliding backwards. I also pointed this out but was told that this wasn't the case.
Well, the result of this is that 'Mr F''s shoulder muslces did not develop correctly and the pressure was making it difficult for him particularily when going down steep hills and he would stumble quite a bit.
After Annette had treated him this time, I immediately noticed the difference when riding. Hopefully, once our saddle is fitted yet again (but this time correctly) we should not have this problem re-occur. We had been doing so well with his body shape! Once more I should have listened to my gut instincts be more assertive with regards to my observations.
Meanwhile 'Luke' is developing very nicely. I have always liked 'Luke' and I am so pleased for 'Lillian' that he is finally enjoying going out and no longer presents a danger to 'Lillian'. We have had more lessons toghether and 'Luke' even started jumping! Well done 'Luke' and 'Lillian'!
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