Does anyone know what the ideal is? Some people are pleased to have a sweat patch under the saddle reflecting it's shape, another person is pleased because there is no sweat at all under the saddle. I haven't seen anything anywhere saying which would be correct - any ideas anyone?
I guess you get used to what is right for your horse. Crunchie often gets sweated up under his saddle, even if we don't do a lot of work (I use a wool numnah and my saddle is gel filled and probably has something to do with it).
If however, I noticed any major differences in his sweating 'routine' I would start to question if something is wrong.
I do ride other horses that do get more or less sweated than Crunchie - but this seems normal to each particular horse.
Not sure on this one. My guess would be that due to the fact that excessive heat can de-nature muscle(in essence cooking it, for what want of a better explanation) That minimising heat build up would be favourable. Whether it gets hot enough under saddle to do damage I dont know. But there has been some research into the effect of boots on tendons. This has shown temperatures that could cause damage, although this has not been proven conclusively.
I hope this helps.
Hmm hadn't thought of that one, that Skunk sweating was possibly cooking his back.
Something else to worry about I just usually check the sweating is even and up to today would only have worried had I seen any dry patches within the sweat patch.
Alexis, Didn't mean to make you worry, petal!
Horses have been wearing saddles for hundreds of years, I think that a badly fitting saddle will do more damage than having a sweaty horse. I guess that trying to use numnahs that are made of natural fibres helps the situation( I have discovered that these are virtually impossible to find unlessyou want a thick woollen one! Any sources gratefully recieved.) So I suppose you just need to be aware of this especially in very hot weather if you are intending to do a lot of fast work. I think a lot of the info came from tests done at the Olympics in Atlanta. So the everyday rider need not worry too much....
I like having my brain activated - he is in a Balance saddle and if I can find my 1/4" JB pad i'm going to swap him to a Disney numnah. I was going to do that before I read your post.
If this is too trivial please ignore but I did wonder if people would react differently to him wearing a numnah with Eeyore on as opposed to say Tigger, or will they just think I'm nuts regardless?
Hi Alexis, thanks for making me laugh!!
As a psychologist I could say that we have to look at peoples perceptions of the 2 different characters, Tigger being bouncy,bright and cheerful and Eeyore being slow, dull and sad......
which way would you like people to see Skunk (apart from as smelly!!).... and which way would Skunk like to be seen?!
(Also only teasing)
Helenx
Chuckling quietly to myself here. Lucy great to see you posting here and was lovely to meet you if only briefly!
As for saddles, not sure, but I would normally only worry if the sweat patches were uneven or invading the spine area. Not remotely an expert though - I used to think I could tell whether a saddle fitted but now the more I find out the more of a minefield it becomes and so I no longer have a clue!
This message has been edited by Brocksopp on Jul 24, 2003 5:37 PM
Two years ago I'd have gone for the prettiest colour but now I do wonder if it will affect perception, OK so that won't stop me buying the prettiest colour
but two years ago the thought of how will my boy be perceived would not have happened.
Amazingly enough I'm still married and recently got promoted so am keeping the looney tunes well hidden at home and work
Theres always time for cartoon characters in one's life. Unfortunately both my ponies and dog(Named Taz, by the way.) Have all had my rather poor sense humour inflicted upon them. No wonder they are all in need of behaviour modification progams.....
I love you lot!
I bought my beautiful GSD a purple collar with paw prints on so people would think she was cute and it has worked!
She barks aggressively at people who are scared of her and I have found that if I make them confront her and their fears then everyone calms down. Quite amazing, but I shouldn't be surprsed cause if horses can do it why can't dogs!!
so perception is important.
But Alexis you do what makes you laugh as that is most important of all!xxxx
I just usually check the sweating is even and up to today would only have worried had I seen any dry patches within the sweat patch.