Back problem???

[Betro]

Hi all,
New here and just looking for second opinions. I've a 13 year old tb mare and recently she of the past weeks I've noticed a raised lump over her spine behind the saddle. Hairs are broken over the area (might be saddle cloth rubbing) no reaction when I run my hand down it however flinches and lowers back when I dig/rub the area of the spine and there is heat surrounding the area particular after riding. Will attach pictures.
She does buck to go into canter for the first few strides and refuses to canter on the right rein.
Will get vet and chiropractor to check her but just want to know what other people think also think even though I've suspicion what it might be.
Thanks in advance.

 

[ycbm]

What investigations have been done into why she is unhappy to canter?

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[Red-1]

I think the vet will be the one to help, a lump could be a localised swelling from saddle cloth friction or it could be muscular, bone... who knows from a photo?

One thing I would say that if she... "flinches and lowers back when I dig/rub the area of the spine and there is heat surrounding the area particular after riding." then I would not be riding until it was sorted.

I would 1. check saddle fit. 2. Check the saddle cloth. 3. have the vet.

The vet would be for a lengthy exam for soundness as opposed to a quick glance at her back.

 

[be positive]

I agree with Red the fact she 'refuses to canter right' is not something she has decided to do because she doesn't feel like it but a sign there is something wrong that needs looking into properly, the sore back is probably secondary to whatever is causing the issues in canter.