Re: significance of white hairs

[flemmerl@rcbhsc.wvu.edu (Flemmer, Linda)]

Angela C. McGhee wrote:

> I have had some trouble with my saddle putting pressure on the left side
> of my horse's withers...with several different horses.   BUT, anyone who's
> ever seen me ride knows I never put my sponge away.  I carry my sponge in
> my right hand and my reins in my left.  I think that may have twisted my
> body just enough to put pressure on the left side of the withers.

That's an excellent point!  Just the weight of your hand, arm & shoulder can
twist you or weight one side of the horse.  When I switched from a mild curb
(uxeter kimberwicke) where I was using both hands to a hackamore where I used
one hand, I had to remember to switch hands every so often to keep things
even.

A person's head weighs a lot, too!  If you are constantly looking to one
side, it can put you off balance as well and cause problems.  Ask a
hunter/jumper what happens if they look down as they come into a fence!
Also, if you are riding a long ways with a partner, switch sides periodically
so you don't keep looing in one direction.  (Not to mention you can reduce
the fatigue for the horse's legs if the road is crowned.)

Hey, Angie - you must never get to put your sponge away because you ride in
the SE in all that heat & humidity.  We need to get you out to places where
you are more worried about rump rugs and blankets than sponging!  Just think
- no more face plants with a wet muddy sponge!  (This is coming from a rider
who used to live in central FL - now in cool, comfortable WV.)

Linda Flemmer