I’m getting back into riding after a decade off and since I last was riding consistently, I’ve developed a back injury. Lumbar disk issues, namely. I rode a friend’s horse a few weeks ago in Western tack for just a few minutes and had a huge pain flare. I know a lot of it is conditioning, but I also wonder if saddle type might make a difference. I’ve been an English rider primarily and feel like that might be best for being able to get out of the tack and avoiding impact. But I do want to do more trail riding and maybe even some ranch riding and am considering Western tack. Have you noticed much difference between saddle types? What about something like a Thinline pad? How can I best manage my injury while still riding? Thoughts?
After a drunk driver drove head on into my car and totaled it I had back pain for many years. My back was hurting so bad I was only riding once a year.
My back gradually improved but I always had some pain in my back when riding horses.
I finally got rid of it over a decade later by wearing a Back on Track back brace most of the day for over a year.
I ride in a jumping saddle. I did try a Western saddle for a while but it did not do much to help my back pain.
I never tried it for back pain but from what I’ve read on the Total Saddle Fit about their Squish pad may help. I use my Western Squish Pad on my Home Horse (riding simulator) and I’ve noticed that my side-to-side movement in the saddle is less as the Home Horse moves under my seat.
Good luck. Back pain is horrible for riding.
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You may have to try a few different saddles to see what your body approves of. What works for one may cause you problems.
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^^^^ This.
There probably is a saddle out there that your back will approve of. For years I had tailbone pain. I finally found a saddle that was less uncomfortable. Ultimately, it was found I had an outward facing spur on the very end of my tailbone. I had it removed and don’t have too much problem now. However, before that the saddle was much more important for MY comfort than my horse’s. I will say that thankfully, she is not a hard fit and I ended up using a treeless saddle for several years. It was just softer overall to sit in. I am currently back to a treed saddle that does have a hole in the back for said tailbone area (Prestige X-breath). I probably do not need that help anymore but it is a comfortable saddle and saddle shopping is so nasty, I will keep using it.
Bottom line…you have to find what works for you and brand/name really doesn’t mean much if you are uncomfortable and in pain. Good luck in the search. I am sure there is something out there you will find comfortable.
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I would try different saddles if you are able. I have several saddles depending on my “pain” day. The horse’s movements might also affect you. For example, a horse with big gaits affect me.
I can’t ride in a western saddle since I think most western saddles are incredibly uncomfortable. I generally ride in a DP Quantum saddle, a Germania Klasse dressage saddle, and an Engel soft saddle. My horse has nice slow gaits that don’t jostle me.
For reference, I have ankylosing spondylitis, but I’m currently going through a re-evaluation since my rheumatologist is worried that there is something else going on. I also have several herniated discs and they are an absolute pain to live with (intentional pun). I prefer sheepskin seat savers of gel.
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I think you need to work with a saddle fitter and try several until you find the right one. I have degenerative Disk Disease (3 herniated disks in my lower back). I worked through several saddles before finding ones that both me and my horses. I actually have a different saddle brand for each horse. For the what I call the seal like TB, I have a County Solution Monoflap. For the more weight lifter type build TB, I have a Black Country Vinici Solaire. The square built TB goes in a Custom.
I find a flatter seat helps me quite a bit. Too steep a cantel tends to put pressure on my lower back. If the saddle does not fit your horse properly its not going to help your back. I’ve see some people try to pad up a saddle that’s too big for the horse. That does seem to make back problems worse.
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The balance of the saddle on the horse matters a great deal, too. I’m really aware of any changes in my horse or need for a flocking adjustment because if it’s not perfect, I’m in pain!
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That’s a really good point!
