We finally figured out why my back has been killing me... and why i'm feeling such a "jammed" feeling in Tilly's back. She must have developed muscularly over the past few weeks and/or the saddle settled significantly (it was reflocked in February), because my Prestige no longer fits her withers! It tilts forward and pinches her on the left... probably why her ribs are going out on the right. The tilt puts a ton of pressure on my lower back - it all makes sense.
Laura and Nicole both came out bright and early (thanks ladies!!) to watch Tilly go and thankfully Laura let me switch to her Custom, to see the difference. I felt immediate relief in my back! The Custom is a bit large for her but at least Tilly knows we are on the right track. With this horse that makes a difference! She gets mad at me if I don't understand what she is trying to tell me :) Tilly will be more receptive to my efforts now that we are closer to a solution. Our saddle fitter isn't able to visit us until the 15th so I'm praying that the County Competitor that I'm borrowing from my lovely and wonderful friend Leslie, will work!
In other news, Tilly looks fantastic! Nicole hasn't seen her since I was away on vacation in June and she noticed a huge difference in Till's musculature and posture. Tilly does seem very happy and she continues to gain weight. Just need to get this saddle sorted out and we will be back on track to training for a seamless 3rd level test!
We have so much inspiration right now with the Olympics underway! Go Team USA! Here is one of my favorites to watch, Heather Blitz and Paragon:
Heather and I were roommates one season in Wellington and she taught me sooo much. I love that she designed this horse from the very start. Heather picked the dam and sire and proceeded to trained Paragon to the top. Plus he's a red head!
It was great to see how the change in saddle freed up Tilly's back, It was also great to see her looking sound today. Its always a journey trying to read what they are telling us, luckily Tilly is always honest and shows us when things have improved.
ReplyDeleteThe Prestige was really quite tight on her withers on the Left side, which explains why she is reluctant to bend left and move her withers over to the right and keep a connection in either outside rein.