Page 874 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

For more information on saddle fitting, see Chapter 12, pages 359–65.

VetBooks.ir RIDER PROBLEMS

A rider who is sore and out of balance should seek treatment for themselves as well as their
horse. The size of the horse should be appropriate for the rider. Where the problem is caused

by the inexperience of the rider, professional help should be sought.

CLEANLINESS

• The horse should be thoroughly groomed before saddling.

• The saddle should be kept clean and supple.
• Sweat should be washed from the saddle and girth area.

• Numnahs should be washed regularly. Some horses react to biological detergents so these

are best avoided.

Numnahs and pads

See Chapter 12, page 365.

GIRTH SENSITIVITY AND GALLS

Many horses are very sensitive in their girth regions. There may be no visible lesions but

they are uncomfortable when girthed, brushed or touched. They may jump or even collapse
when the girths are tightened or immediately afterwards. A girth gall is a sore area that

develops under the girth (Figure 18.27).