Crow Hopping Horse

[stetson]

We recently purchased a six year old paint. He was used as a stallion for five years, gelded last year and broke this year. He has an issue with crow hopping into a lope/trot. Also about 4 weeks ago the saddle slid under his belly and he crow hopped as well. I noticed after that he was NOT the same horse. I called out the chiro and he popped his neck and back. He seemed better. When we moved him to Feature Farm in Auburn (which is ANOTHER subject) we put the saddle on him and he crow hopped again. Which when saddeling him..he has NEVER done that. The only thing I can think of is that...now he associates the saddle going under his belly and he crow hops for fear of it going under his belly. Any thoughts? Thanks! :

[schwung]

First thought: saddle fit. Not sure if you are using an english or western saddle, but if he only crow hops with a saddle on, that says to me the saddle is the problem. Have you tried riding him bareback to see if he still does it?

[stetson]

Oct 13, 2008 15:56:39 GMT -5 schwung said:

First thought: saddle fit. Not sure if you are using an english or western saddle, but if he only crow hops with a saddle on, that says to me the saddle is the problem. Have you tried riding him bareback to see if he still does it?

That is a very good thought. Me personally had never had an issue with his crow hopping until the western saddle feel under his belly. When I had put him into a good sweat I did previously look for the presure points of the saddle and they looked good to me. BTW would you also know how to post a picture as well?