Swayback? Could you put a light rider on her?

[lelo2006]

Got this horse in she's broke to ride and is 28-29 years old. She is an absolute angel. We are a rescue and we might foster or adopt her out to a good home but people always like to know if the horse is broke, blah, blah, blah. Anyways... she does have a swayback not sure what from but it's there. Do you think that it's too substancial for her to be a lead horse for small children under 100lbs?

[ToveroMom]

lelo-you and your husband run a rescue now?
well have you tried a light rider,i have seen worse backs.

[RenosGirl]

I think a child under 100 should be alright for some light riding

[kytrailrider]

i think a light rider would be fine. I have seen plenty of younger horses who were way more swayed back carring normal size riders.

[AlbertaGirl]

There are all kinds of build up pads that can be used to help fill the gap and make a saddle fit better. I've even seen them at Lammles . So, that being said, I'd probably find one that fits, get a light rider on her, and she how she does. If she shows no discomfort, I'd screen as well as possible, stipulating light use by LIGHT riders, and send the pad along with her .

You guys have a vet out there every so often, right?! Has the vet seen this mare? If so, I'd probably like to get their opinion as well. Hope these suggestions help; good luck finding her a wonderful home !

TMom - Lelo2006 volunteers at the rescue, but someone else runs it

[lelo2006]

Originally Posted by ToveroMom

lelo-you and your husband run a rescue now?
well have you tried a light rider,i have seen worse backs.

No we don't run a rescue I volunteer at one. I help out a lot so I've moved from volunteer to part time help pretty much, lol. It's great.

You guys have a vet out there every so often, right?! Has the vet seen this mare? If so, I'd probably like to get their opinion as well. Hope these suggestions help; good luck finding her a wonderful home !

We do have a vet out whenever we can get him. He just got back from vacation so he's booked solid with back work. But as soon as he comes out he's got his hands full lets just say that much, lol. She doesn't seem sore about it although one thing I didn't mention is she has what looks like the start of cataracs (sp) in her eyes. She so friendly though and is great with everyone and everything. We'd like to rehome her with someone who just wants a companion horse that they can throw the kids on sometimes.

[Slim Pikkens]

By having a light child (around 70 or so lbs) ride her the exercise would probably be beneficial. I wouldn't try to use a saddle as kids bounce when they fall off.

[breburtch]

with the right padding and saddle she should be fine for a light rider or if her backs not too boney you could put a light rider bareback or get one of those bareback pads

[morgan]

We have a old Morgan mare that we use for Lessons. She has Lordosis and has had a sway back most of her life. We use low back pads on her and a heavy western pad. English saddles fits okay with the pads but Western is a no go. She has no problem carring adults under 170 lbs.

[EquineAlberta]

We have a pony with a really swayed back...she is only 8, but her previous owners bred her way too young and rode her when pregnant so her back gave out...she looks 30!

Our vet gave her the ok to be ridden with proper saddle fit/padding. She said a saddle is better than bareback as it will spread the weight out better. She also said pole work and encouraging a low head would help strengthen the back.

Using a mounting block is a good idea too.

THe foam shops can help you make a pad for an affordable rate that you could include with her fee.

Not sure about the eyes. I don't have experience with that.

Karen

[pippy]

My old (27yr.) former broodmare is also sway back (looks similar to yours) I don't have a picture right now, but I'll have to find one..and my daughter and I both ride her (we are about 120 & 135 lbs) she does fine and in fact seems to really like to be ridden..I bought her 4 years ago and prior to that, she'd been strictly a broodmare which is why I believe she is so swayed.

[PaintsQH]

Wow Leo, she looks great for 29. What a beauty! I found some really high reviews and info on this Reinsman pad. Might want to check it out. Im sure if she isnt showing any back pain,and the vet says its ok, she should be fine with a light rider.




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Contour Swayback Tacky Too Saddle Pad


Horse Tack - Western Saddle Pads

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New and now available from Reinsman, the Contour Swayback Tacky Too saddle pad is designed to assist in fitting a saddle to a horse who experiences “bridging” across their back. The gap between the horses back and the saddle is filled in with this pad creating a better fit and causing painful pressure points to be eliminated.

The Tacky Too bottom offers a non-slip material that is anti-bacterial, ventilated deceptively tough and durable which helps reduce sore backs and saddle roll. Available in assorted colors.

About Reinsman

Reinsman Equestrian Products manufactures quality western riding equipment. Reinsman offers a complete line of handmade stainless steel horse bits, saddle pads, leather strap goods and saddles.

Our experienced and skilled craftspeople take pride to assure each product is manufactured correctly. We have a knowledgeable and friendly customer service staff that will be able to assist you with all your customer needs. Our main objective is to build a quality product at an affordable price and most importantly provide the very best customer service available anywhere.

www.reinsman.com