| By Heidi
J. Potter
As we all know, horses are incredibly
sensitive creatures. Here a few ways
to help keep them happy while being
groomed, tacked up and ridden.
- Clean the girth/cinch area thoroughly
during grooming and check for any
“hot” spots that may
cause irritation.
- Check the saddle fit. Be sure
it isn’t pinching or causing
discomfort.
- Check the cleanliness and comfort
of the girth/cinch.
- Tighten the girth/cinch in at
least 3 stages. The first being
just tight enough to hold the saddle
on if the horse shakes his body.
Tighten a second time after leading
the horse to the riding area. Check
and tighten if necessary before
mounting.
- Remember to check a few minutes
into the ride, before the first
canter and before the first jump.
How to properly check tightness:
Many people will tighten the girth/cinch
up to the point where they can’t
tighten it any further. That way they
are certain that it is tight. However,
it may be too tight, which can ultimately
lead to a behavior issue.
The proper place to check tightness
is at the deepest part of the horse’s
heart girth, not directly below the
side of the saddle. Insert your fingers
just below the rigging or billets
and slowly slide them down to the
centerline of the horse’s barrel.
This is the deepest part of the horse
and where the most pressure is received.
Remember the shape of the horse’s
barrel is more oval than round. It
should gradually get tight enough
so that your fingers cannot slide
all the way down. If you can’t
insert your fingers easily or there
is extreme pressure all the way down
the girth/cinch may be too tight.
Remember to train all staff and students
how to properly prepare the horse
for riding. This will help keep him
a happy, willing partner.
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