A Saddle Pad with Solutions for Swayback Horses

A Saddle Pad with Solutions for Swayback Horses

Swayback can appear in horses to in a variety of degrees in horses, from a simple lack of topline to severe lordosis. Swayback is defined by the horses’ back dips in the center of the top line. It can be caused by poor saddle fit, improper training, lack of nutrition, age or genetic.  Proper muscle development is key to helping reversing hollow horses. In order to build a horse’s topline correctly, they must be able to lift and use their back and core muscles without pain.

A common problem for swayback horses is saddle fitting. It can be a nightmare to find one that fits, but it crucial to help a horse build topline.

Conformation plays a role when a horse developing a swayback. Horses with long backs are prone to back problems in general. Horses with high-set necks are at greater risk as they are pre-disposed to hollow their back while working.

A swayback can be caused soreness because most saddles will “bridge,” putting the rider’s weight on the front and the back of the saddle, creating abnormal pressure points, especially over the shoulders and loins. Poor saddle fit can contribute to swayback, as the horse will alter its stride and movement, including hollowing its back, and raising its head to avoid pain.

Poor fitting saddles exacerbate the problem preventing proper muscle development.

To Fix Bridging Saddles

It is recommend to use a shimmable pad with bridging shims inserted to “fill in” the gap, allowing for even contact of the saddle panels. Using shims will allow the horse to move more comfortably so the muscles can be developed and then the shims can eventually be removed.

• ThinLine has several thicknesses of shims and they may be stacked so riders can remove a layer at a time when the horses back begins to strengthen and lift. Bridging shims are not designed to be used with rear or front shims. If you have a bridging problem you should not also be lifting the saddle at the withers or cantle.
• Master Saddle Fitters rely on ThinLine shimmable pads and shims to alleviate problems with a swayback.

A good saddle fit, for a horse with a swayback or not, will equal a safe, relaxing ride. Your horse will be well-behaved, stay healthy, and enjoy himself. Your riding skills will be enhanced and improved. You don’t have to be an expert to tell if your saddle does not fit, but it is advisable to have a professional check. If you’re certain you have a saddle with the correct tree size for your horse, paying attention to how your horse acts and how your body feels will let you know if you have the right fit.

Over shimming with bridging shims can actually cause the horse to move away from the pressure.  Your saddle will rock forward and backward if you over shim. Start thin, you may always return shims for the next thickest size. The best method is to use several very thin shims, stack them and then remove them layer by layer as your horse develops muscle tone.