bad back

[Kelli Hjelmeland <kelli@mb.sympatico.ca>]

Hi all,
Hope you can help me. I have a long backed arab that looks more like a
QH. 14:3, stocky, but loves to go all day. Has a fantastic fast trot.
Problem: when he trots his "trot" he ends the day with sore back muscles
in the loin area. Am riding in an Orthoflex Traditional. This saddle was
what helped his back in the first place. When I got him, any other
saddle (aussie, western, english) made his back very sore (he dipped it
when I got on). The OF fixed that for many years. I have ridden him in
many 50's in 1992 and 1993 with this saddle and it never caused a
problem. I tried doing a Limited Distance (25) ride doing just about all
cantering and this really helped, but I don't want to give up his great
trot, partially because at the canter, he can take off on me any time.
He is a pull-face type of horse. I usually can't canter safely until
halfway through a 50. Don't ask me to re-train him - he's 15 and I like
him hot! My question is, should I try more padding in the booties, under
the booties, what kind of pads work well, etc. I'm sticking to the
shorter rides until I figure this problem out (and have more time to
condition).

Also, I live in Manitoba (2.5 hours from FEI ride). If anyone needs
anything, or if I can help in any way, please get in touch. I have a
great hay source if someone can't bring enough. I will be at the ride
with this horse, but not riding more than 25's.

Kelli
and Hudson Bay (really, he's a purebred arab!)