Some time ago I was given a Fairfax style girth to try. Pregnancy and injured horses got in the way and I had forgotten all about it. Whilst tidying out the junk from my lorry I rediscovered it and thought I would give it a go.
I tried it first on Romeo and did notice that he was freer in front. But at the time I decided that his back wasn't strong enough for him to cope with the extra lift. (He is croup high and has Kissing Spines so I never over push him).
I then tried it on Val and I would say I didn't feel such a big difference but left it on his saddle to give us all the possible help whilst we qualified. gradually over the last 6 weeks Val has gradually shut down more and more behind the saddle. He has had regular physio but wasn't improving. I took a step back and thought about what has been changed over the last few weeks. And all I could think of was the girth and that he no longer goes out overnight.
So prior to my training with Harry Payne on Sunday I turned Val back out and I found his old girth for his lesson. Thankfully Val returned to a soft and swinging way of going where he was connecting back to front.
Needless to say I won't be swopping back to the other girth!
It's so easy when you ride on your own a lot for the little things to creep up on you. And I find myself thankful for the support I get from friends, owners, trainers and physios etc who allow me to talk ideas through and help to keep us on the right road!
I tried it first on Romeo and did notice that he was freer in front. But at the time I decided that his back wasn't strong enough for him to cope with the extra lift. (He is croup high and has Kissing Spines so I never over push him).
I then tried it on Val and I would say I didn't feel such a big difference but left it on his saddle to give us all the possible help whilst we qualified. gradually over the last 6 weeks Val has gradually shut down more and more behind the saddle. He has had regular physio but wasn't improving. I took a step back and thought about what has been changed over the last few weeks. And all I could think of was the girth and that he no longer goes out overnight.
So prior to my training with Harry Payne on Sunday I turned Val back out and I found his old girth for his lesson. Thankfully Val returned to a soft and swinging way of going where he was connecting back to front.
Needless to say I won't be swopping back to the other girth!
It's so easy when you ride on your own a lot for the little things to creep up on you. And I find myself thankful for the support I get from friends, owners, trainers and physios etc who allow me to talk ideas through and help to keep us on the right road!
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