October 2023
Happy Fall Y'All!!
I hope this enewsletter finds you doing well and enjoying the beautiful fall riding weather. I even went out on the trails this week. East Fork Stables has made some wonderful improvements to their trails and facilities. If you are in the part of the world where you can visit, I highly recommend.
We had a fantastic class here in September. Five states were represented including Bree Hite, a saddle Rep from Illinois, trail riders from Alabama, body workers, a barefoot trimmer, a barrel racer, a huge trail riding facility manager, several local riders and my very own special working student, Baley. First, I need to thank Bree & Baley for helping so so much. I could not have done it without them.
This month I want to talk about the spinal ligament system. It is such a big deal and part of our saddle support area that I have a special handout at our saddle fit class about it and I want to share it with you too.
The Spinal ligament system is actually 4 ligaments all connected together to support the back and give rest to the muscles.
- Nuchal ligament-helps support, raise and lower the head and maintains the alignment of the cervical vertebrae.
- Suprapinous ligament-connects to the top of each spinous process from the withers to the sacrum
- Intraspinous ligament-runs between each of the spinous process
- Ventral longitudinal ligament-runs beheath the vertebrae to support and stabilize
When we are riding the spinal ligament system is what allows the horse to be round and lift the back. As the horse's head lowers the nuchal ligament pulls the withers forward, the supraspinous ligament pulls the process forward and lifts the back which then tilts the pelvis and allows the back legs to come up under the horse.
The abdominal muscles help tuck the pelvis and lift the back too but it all starts with the nuchal ligament and the head stretching forward. This is one of those chain reactions like when a horse is lying down, they can't get up without first lifting their head. The back cannot come up if the head is not first down or pulling forward. The saddle putting pressure on the spinal ligament can cause the head to come up. This is a natural reaction. Tying the head down cannot correct a natural reaction, it only causes tension somewhere else.
The ligament system takes the strain off of the muscles. To prevent over worked sore muscles,
- Allow the horse to stretch frequently during riding
- Feed the horse on the ground
- Give the horse space to get his head down white traveling
- Make sure the saddle is not putting pressure on the ligament while riding
Some problems that I see that are connected to saddles with too narrow channels include hollow backs, lack of topline muscles, tripping, off in rear, dropping leads behind, tight back, irregular gaits or not gaiting, arthritis in the hocks, not tracking up and behavior issues. It's a pretty big deal. I have seen a lot of horses completely change their whole personality and way of moving just by changing to a saddle with a wider channel and no pressure on the spinal ligament. Here is an old enewsletter describing Damage Caused by Poor Saddle Fit.
Most horses have a spinal ligament approximately 4 fingers wide. Some horses are 3 fingers wide, some are 5 fingers wide. No horse has a spinal ligament 2 fingers wide. Now that we have technology to diagnose back problems like kissing spines, those old saddles with narrow channels should all be retired but sadly I see them every day. Poor horses on the trail and in the lesson barns have no opportunity for relief. The whole time they are riding someone is sitting right on the their spinal ligament and usually with several pads squeezed in too because we have all been taught to just “pad them up.”
To check your saddle, find some chaulk and mark where your horse's ligament starts on each side. If you feel the muscles with your finger nails on each side as you approach the top middle of the horse's back they will respond when you hit the ligament. Make a mark with the chaulk.
Here is a short video showing Doc's spinal ligament.
Then put your saddle on. Is it over the line or below it? If it looks good, ride without the pad for a few minutes. The area of the spinal ligament should be untouched. Happy horses is what it is all about. If your horse is not happy, you are not going to have a good time. Saddle fitting is like preventive maintenance. It is way easier definitely more cost effective to prevent the damage then it is to treat it later on.
CHANGES IN FEES EVALUATIONS & FITTINGS
Please note effective today the evaluation fee will be $169 instead of $149. Barns over 75 miles away will have a mileage fee, $1 a mile one way. You can split that fee with other riders at your barn. I am still not taking on new barns over 75 miles but I will always be there for the riders that I have worked with before and new riders at those barns. The appointments here at our farm 470 Copperhead Lane, Crossville will remain the same $124.
VIRTUAL FITTINGS
I am also still doing Virtual Fittings because I am not good at saying no. I tried to discontinue virtuals but it didn't work. There are just too many of you too far away that need help with your saddles. I have a place to sign up for virtual on the website now too.
UPCOMING TRIPS
River Rock Stables-October 30, 31
Oak Mt. Park-Nov. 1, 2
As always, thank you for reading and sharing the enewsletter. A referral is truly the nicest compliment and helping the horses is priceless.
TTYS & God Bless,
Terry Peiper
“Spreading the word about proper saddle fit & how it affects our horse's behavior, performance & ultimately the health of horse & rider.”