Tack problems PART II?

Question

Earlier today I asked questions about a tack http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjWiPydBgI5kNBNwCoBSTRjsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080729105233AANC7U2

& many of you suggested a new saddle, now without her getting specifically fitted & having a saddle made just for her what size of saddle do you think she will need? I currently have 17" full QH tree barrel saddle. Here are some pics of her: http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l244/BetherzLovesYou/p1010664.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l244/BetherzLovesYou/p1010665.jpg

Also my horse grinds her teeth horribly. Pretty much any time I am on her & after we do any real work (warming up in a fast trot/canter, pending, circles ect.). I dont know if it is because she is excited or bored. But I try to keep her calm after we run or do barrels & she calms right down besides her frequent loud grinding. It was so bad at the local fair this last wk people would walk/ride by & stop & ask me wat that sound was. Nothing stops her really.

Answer 1

the saddle doesnt fit her correctly.

her withers are quite high and she needs to build up her back muscles.

she also looks quite narrow, so full QH bars may be too wide for her, which would cause problems and pressure in all the wrong spots.

but in response to the canter problem, you need to gain control.

start from the beginning. teach her (even though you ride fast timed events) that speed is not always the answer. whenever she grinds her teeth or runs through your hands, stop her and back her off a few steps. then WALK forward. it may take a while but this is a great way to teach them that you are in control of the speed, not them.

and dont just change the bit, unless you really have to but that just isnt the answer, putting a harsher bit in the mouth only masks the problem.

and you need to FIX the problem.

Answer 2

It sounds like she is bored and I would try the bit with the roller on it. that tends to keep them occupied. also I would call the vet and ask to see if maybe your horse needs its teeth floated (filed down) it may have some sharp teeth in its mouth that its trying to grind down cuz they hurt.

Answer 3

Based on your pictures - and it would be much better if you showed us what she looks like under saddle - your current saddle is too large.  

I would bet that the gullet is falling on her withers which could account for the grinding of teeth.  Your horse is most likely in pain.

You need to try a saddle with semi-QH bars and a gullet of about 6 1/2" to accommodate your narrow, high wither horse.

Answer 4

She may have developed that habit out of anxiety.  TB's are sensitive horses.  Check into her nutrition and try adding vitamin-minreal supplement with dolomite (calcium - magnesium) to her rations.

Here is a link to a very good pad, inexpensive and highly recommended by friends.  (I'm getting one...)

http://www.jeffersequine.com/ssc/product...