Looking for info for fitting Arabians

[Denise]

I just wanted to clarify that I am not saying Arabs don't have one less vertebra. (I wonder how many of the "other breeds" in that study were Arabs to have such a high percentage with only 5 lumbar vertebrae?) There are just so many things that "everyone knows" because they "heard it somewhere" that may or may not be true. Just because something is stated by someone with letters behind their name or with a big reputation doesn't mean the information they give is correct. And my skeptical self always wants the data behind the "fact" to prove it to me because some of the "facts" are not correct when you actually search for the truth behind them. This is a question I have had for over 20 years and I have yet to find any solid data. It may very well be out there, and I would sure like to see it if it is. The more people I ask, the greater the chance I have of learning, and this forum has a pile of people reading it who may have the answer.

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Once again I agree with Denise. The search fo knowlege is a never ending task if pursued in earnest. As for fitting Arabs, not knowing which Arabs have one less vertabrae, and which don't, it seems to me that the safe bet is to error on the side of caushion. A 1" shorter set of bars will not hurt those that are "longer backed", and will certainly make it fit better on those that have the misterious one less. I have run into the ill fitting issue with an Arab before, and that shorter set of bars got the job done, so from experiance, I will continue to treat them as if they all have one less. That is what has worked for me. Thanks to all that have posted on this issue. Like I said before, more knowlege is good.

Bondo Bob

[David Genadek]

Denise,

As I stated I maybe off on that percentage. However, if you're looking for concrete studies Iwould suggest you contact Deb Bennett at Equine Studies Institute as I am sure she would be more than happy to direct you to all the research that has been done in this area. Dr. Bennett would also be able to trace the influence of the Arabian on the other breeds that you mentioned in the study you cited.

Nonetheless, in this discussion there are some good points. The first is that not all Arabians have one less vertebrae. The second point is if it really matters to a saddlemaker? Does having one less vertebrae mean that the back is shorter? Here'swhere comparative anatomy can be used to gain a clearer understanding of the possibilities. I'm going to steal an example that Dr. Bennett uses in her newDVD. Consider the neck of a giraffe compared to that of a human each has seven cervical vertebrae. Let's say the giraffe's neck is 7 feet long and the human's neck is 7 inches long this would then translate into each vertebra being 1 foot long in the giraffe and 1 inch long in the human. If we then pulled one vertebrae out of thegiraffe's neck it would then be 6 feet long and still much longer than the 7inches of the human's neck. From this example we can realize that the number of vertebrae is not the only factor contributing to length, the actual length of each vertebra must also be considered. Because of this , it would be very possible for horse with long vertebrae to be one vertebrae short and still have a longer back than a horse with all their vertebrae. So the practical reality is you have to fit the shape of back that is in front of you.

Bondo Bob,

Stohlman, has also been a huge inspiration to me. When I first began writing him as a young man my expectation was that I would get a lot of step-by-step instructions back from him like I had seen in his books. Instead my questions were generally answered with more questions. I soon realized that this meant he was considering me a serious student and as such his goal was not to teach me how but rather why. There has been a lot of research done since Stohlman's books were published and I can tell you if he were alive today and had access to this research he would shift his paradigm. It was his influence that inspired me to seek out leading experts outside of saddle making to expand my knowledge.

David Genadek

Edited September 15, 2009 by David Genadek

[CeilingUnlimited]

Victor Custom Tack specializes in Western Saddle's specifically for Arabs and hard to fit Arabs. I would give them a call and ask them what they think? Out of curiosity do you happen to know what brand your cutback Saddle's are that you are using? If your cutbacks are fitting pretty good and depending on what brand they are,can really help narrow down finding a good western saddle as certain English brand cutback trees tend to help with finding a good western saddle.

Victor Custom Tack specializes in Western Saddle's specifically for Arabs and hard to fit Arabs. I would give them a call and ask them what they think? Out of curiosity do you happen to know what brand your cutback Saddle's are that you are using? If your cutbacks are fitting pretty good and depending on what brand they are,can really help narrow down finding a good western saddle as certain English brand cutback trees tend to help with finding a good western saddle.

[twinchester]

A lot of spanish mustang folks have done research on less vertebra in thier horses. I dont know how much is scientificly correct but its a decent place to start. They have big name genetisits working with them on DNA and skeletal issues so maybe some general info csn be obtained there. SMR, HOA, & SSMA are a few of the registries to start.