From Cindy’s Corner….

Balance Problems: Visible and Invisible

            I watched a horse under saddle the other day - head tossing, resisting the bit, and just plain uncomfortable.  The owner watched him move while the trainer rode him.  “What is the matter”, she asked.  He’s an honest horse - trying to give what he’s got to give and not into avoidance - just yet that is.  When the trainer finally stopped riding, we visually gave him the once over and concentrated on the concept of balance for the horse.

The Feet: His feet were toey and cracked and his front shoes were loose.  No doubt, his balance was affected by his feet slapping the ground with loose shoes and untrimmed feet.  We all agreed that he could not move smoothly and comfortably under such conditions.  Visibly off balance, he needs the professional services of a farrier.

            The Saddle: His body has understandably changed during the winter with less riding due to the weather and a change in his owner’s availability to ride.  His shoulders are not as broad and his withers are visibly sunken and hollow.  The saddle that he used last fall tilts and moves across his back - just looking for a place to rest.  Visibly affecting his balance, the saddle needs adjustments for this is no longer a saddle that fits - it moves under the rider and across the horse’s back.  This horse needs the professional services of a saddle fitter.

            The Teeth: His teeth haven’t been floated since last year and as he eats, he slobbers and drops his food.  His inability to chew his food properly results in poor feed intake and decreased nutrient availability.  His possible poor oral health might also explain other things.  His difficulty in maintaining his body weight this past winter, his head tossing and resistance to the bit, his unwillingness to move out freely and comfortably.  Abnormal incisor teeth wear patterns?  Possible problems with excessive hooks and ramps? All of this and invisible to the untrained eye.  Problems with the teeth can affect his comfort and the balance of the horse.  He needs the help of a professional equine dentist – many problems solved.

The weather is agreeable and the days are longer, so let’s ride!

   Happy Trails….