“My OTTB gelding Bo was diagnosed with Kissing Spines after investigating the reason behind his extremely dangerous behavior and I was hurt (he picked me up at the mounting block by his teeth and threw me to the ground).
Due to several reasons, it was decided surgery was not the best option for him, and the vet and I came up with a plan to break the pain cycle then start a rehab program. We didn't try riding for over a year to correct his posture and build his core and back strength from the ground.
Unfortunately, his pain memory was so deeply rooted, I wasn't sure if I would try rebacking him. Whether or not I rode him again, I wanted to work through it so he can live in a more calm state of mind and not be so reactive to being touched and handled on a day to day basis.
I found a wonderful trainer who helped him through his pain memory, find balance in his mind and body, and learn to trust people again. He made huge strides so we thought it was worth a try to see what he thinks about being under saddle again and reached out to Karen Bates, an amazing saddle fitter recommended to me for being great with tricky cases.
She fitted the old saddle I already had (which he was NOT happy about having on his back), but recommended that I look into EQ saddles. I immediately read all I could about it, and the science and technology behind it made so much sense to me.
I was wary about investing into a custom saddle when I wasn't sure if he would even allow being ridden again, and was grateful to learn about the Rehab Rental Program. It was 100% worth a try so we got measurements and got fitted for an EQ saddle.
Leading up to getting fitted for our EQ saddle, I did have my old saddle refitted for him and it fit ok on paper. I never did ride him in it as he wasn't even happy about being lunged in it.
I was a nervous wreck when my EQ saddle finally arrived and it was time to fit it to him and have the first test ride. No one has been on his back since the mounting block incident over a year ago.
I'm not even exaggerating when I say he did not mind the EQ saddle on his back from the moment it went on him. My trainer was kind enough to take the first ride in it, and as I watched them go around, my jaw dropped at how comfortable and relaxed he was during the test ride.
His face was soft, ears moving back and forth to check in with my trainer, and he just looked so comfortable, happy, and willing. So I would definitely say I noticed a difference right away!
For a Kissing Spine horse who held so much negative emotions towards the saddle and being ridden even after the pain was managed and his body made stronger through rehab, I was truly amazed at his instant relaxation and acceptance of the EQ saddle.
I can confidently say I wouldn't be back on him if it wasn't for my EQ saddle.
It has now been over two and a half years since he's been rebacked with EQ, and I'm amazed at what we're able to do now.
We used to event before his diagnosis, but decided it would be best for his body and mind to be a pleasure horse, and what a pleasure horse he's become thanks to EQ Saddle Science, from trail rides, obstacle courses, bridleless riding, and even bridleless jumping!
He used to be a tense and spooky horse under saddle, but I can honestly say since being rebacked, he hasn't put a foot wrong (knock on wood) and is more relaxed and supple than he's EVER been.
I now only ride in a halter (due to nerve issues on his face, bits and even bitless bridles are a hard no), and it's interesting to note that he now goes around much more "correct" and is so much more responsive and elastic.
With his back having total freedom, I think he's able to find self carriage on his own and finds bending around and off my leg easy, and I don't need finagling of his head for the "correct frame".
I used to say that riding him felt like trying to bend a 2X4, and that is no longer the case.
His topline now also says it all - I always struggled with asymmetry in his shoulders and keeping a good topline on him. Even though I prioritize his core and back strength with everything we do in his work now, I'm confident he wouldn't look as good as he does if he was being worked in any other saddle.
He's simply able to use his body with total freedom instead of slim rigid panels restricting him.
I was also surprised at how comfortable it was for me, and how much it has improved my seat. I always suffered with a chair seat no matter what saddle I rode in, but the EQ saddle instantly put me in much better alignment.
Hours of trail riding feels like sitting on a couch, and my seat and leg aids are so much more clear and effective!
Ultimately, the decision to purchase my EQ saddle was simple - my horse said yes!
For anyone still searching for the right saddle for their horse, my advice is simple: You HAVE to try an EQ saddle! I honestly can't look at saddles the same way anymore. Everything about EQ saddles make sense to me - flexible panels that move with your horse and total shoulder freedom. I wish every horse could be ridden in an EQ saddle!
The icing on the cake was the amazing team at EQ. From the beginning, everyone I was in contact with was so friendly, professional, and easy to work with.
Ordering a custom saddle and navigating a rental program with it seemed like a scary process, but from the first email and phone call, I knew I was working with an amazing and supportive team.
From the saddle that gave both my horse and myself a second chance, a newfound joy and many more happy miles in the saddle, to the team that stands behind their amazing saddles, I cannot thank EQ enough.”
