Riding Dressage and the Big O(uch)!

You cannot fail to notice the stride of someone affected by saddle rub – that tentativeness with each step and the slight grimace that passes across their face. You send them a smile affirming that you can totally relate and they respond back, oddly enough, with an acknowledgment that borders on pride. There is even a Facebook group dedicated to the subject!

Recently I meandered into the tack room to find a fellow rider bent over, slathering zinc ointment discreetly on her intimate area, hoping it would reduce the friction she was experiencing as she rode. As I giggled, someone else suggested using an extra thick maxi-pad to help. Then another added, “Definitely do not wear a thong, always wear cotton briefs!” I offered the frozen-bag-of-peas solution in order reduce the inflammation. Subsequently, in walks the rider’s husband who moans, “It’s one of those “not tonight honey, maybe not even this week” moments, isn’t it?”

After that comment, the conversation slid from informative straight into the gutter. We were rolling on the floor laughing, but it made me aware that this is an issue for many riders, not only in the discipline of dressage. I decided to investigate further.

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Bluntly put, hours in the saddle at sitting trot can be cause for concern, as constant trauma to the clitoral area can cause desensitization and damage and can also be the cause of UTI (urinary tract infections). Dr. James Warson, MD (author of “The Rider’s Pain Free Back”) states, “Clitoral desensitization could occur if the rider is in a “downhill” saddle which presses her clitoris against the pommel for extended periods of time, or riding in a “male” saddle which causes this same problem. The arterial blood supply to the clitoris does travel in such a manner that a very high, narrow “shark’s fin” anterior portion of the seat could compress the arteries where they run beneath the pubis. This is similar to the discovery that male bicyclists who used a slightly upward tilted bicycle seat were experiencing problems with impotence.”

The suspect saddle

Even a half-hour ride in a poorly-fitted saddle can cause days of embarrassing discomfort. The consensus of most saddle makers is that the likely cause of this is the size of your saddle seat or the position it places you in. It was suggested to try saddles with a larger seat, or with a narrower or wider twist. Saddles are also finally being made with female conformation in mind.

It seems that working to avoid pain in the front can also help us avoid pain in the back. Certified Master Saddler and saddle fit ergonomist Jochen Schleese of Schleese Saddlery in Holland Landing, ON, shared his expertise pertaining to Dr. Warson’s insight on this subject. “If the horse is properly ridden, and the rider is sitting in a “gender” appropriately fitted saddle which has also been fitted to the horse properly so the horse can swing his back loosely, then the sitting trot is not going to harm the rider. If all of this has been correctly fitted, only half of the rider’s weight will actually be impacting the horses back, as the rider is using the four natural curves in his/her spine as a natural shock absorber. The abdominal muscles are getting stronger and this is actually very good for the back. However, there are at least eight extraneous reasons the horse’s three-dimensional back can change its shape; therefore, it is very easy for the saddle to be out of balance or get out of balance – even if it has been properly fitted. If the saddle is out of balance and the rider is doing sitting trot, this is bad for both the rider’s and the horse’s back. Both horse and rider will be using their lower back muscles, which will result in vertebral and disc “disalignment,” causing inevitable long-term damage.”

Pain-free perfect position

In addition to correct saddle fit, there are other factors to consider for pain-free riding. These include proper riding position, and how to increase your strength, suppleness and balance. The two versions of an incorrect seat are seen far too often: one where the rider pushes his/her spine to the rear, leans back a bit and pounds the horse in the back with every trot stride. The other is where the rider tips her/his pelvis forward with each stride, wherein the horse constantly jolts the rider’s concave curved spine. In either case, a rider who is not moving with the horse is a significant burden on the back and spine of the horse, not to mention invoking the suffering mentioned above.

This is where it becomes important to ride with the flow of your horse. If we were to sit in the saddle completely relaxed and supple, our pelvic ring will passively accommodate the natural movement of the horse. However, once the horse trots, many riders become slaves to the natural instinct to grip with the lower legs, which results in a locked pelvis and makes us move completely contrary to the flow of the horse’s movement.

Visualize yourself on the horse. As the horse walks, feel the movement of your hips, your abdominal muscles and your legs. The freedom of movement you feel here is the same movement you need to feel at a trot, although with more energy. Rather than using your pelvis simultaneously, use your pelvis and abdominal muscles by alternating left and right, relaxing the hip joints, and allowing the pelvis to swing left and right with the movement of the horse’s back.

“Going with the horse means that the rider must be harmonious with the horse’s movement,” commented Cindy Ishoy, Canadian dressage Olympian. “The rider needs to develop a perfectly balanced position with their posture straight, shoulders in line with their hips, their hands level, with arms and hips relaxed. This will allow the rider to enhance the horse’s movement without hindering their rhythm or flow,” she continued. “A stiff rider frequently blocks the horse’s movement, which creates disappointment and frustration for horse and rider.”

Shape up, and gird your loins

In order to give clean, clear aids, the rider must be able to isolate various body parts. However, an inexperienced rider cannot obtain perfect balance overnight. It takes time to develop this flexibility, strength and balance. It also takes time to develop the confidence to bring it all into play. It is important that your coach/riding instructor is working in the best interests of you and your horse by providing exercises to stretch you towards supple riding (see also Horse Sport’s 2010 series “Fitness For Riders”). Heading to the gym or family room for some valuable stretching exercises is a crucial first step.

If changing to a better-balanced saddle isn’t an option in the near term, there are still a few fixes that may help in the interim. Wear pantyhose as a friction reducer, or try the underwear made for cyclists that features a padded bottom. JellyPantz is also an option; they cushion the pelvic and crotch area of the female rider and also provide a smooth surface which eliminates friction and prevents chafing (also see “Cool Comfort Gear” in the May 2011 issue). It is also recommended to ride in full-seat leather breeches, and there are many anti-chafing lotions, sticks or sprays available at tack shops and sports stores.

Avoiding pain in the nether regions will make us better and happier riders. But back to Dr. Warson’s cautionary note about clitoral desensitization. My fellow rider who applied the zinc may not only have a disappointed husband; in the long term, she may face a lot of disappointment herself. Good saddles and proper positioning help preserve our sensitivities. Riders should heed the advice and ensure all possible steps are taken to avoid the big “ouch.” It may not be the cure for all our issues, but it will at least help ensure the possibility of the big “O.”

Susanne Friedl is an avid dressage rider who operates Amani Acres in Brantford, ON. Susanne won the 2010 Can-Am Environment Award for her pro-active environmental stewardship initiatives which have been implemented on the farm. Susanne is also devoted to her freelance writing pursuits, and would be remiss not to mention her partner, Neil Currie, who offers the male perspective to her articles.