Bald Patches Starting to appear in girth area

LisaG

LisaG

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21 April 2008
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My mare has started to developed bald patches, one each side in the girth area just behind the elbow. I have always used a numark 100% wool fleece pile girth cover but even this seems to be rubbing the hair away.

Is there a softer alternative ? Is real sheepskin a good idea ?

I have been given some skin hardener from the tack shop to use, just smells like alcohol or something similar.
 
I'm wondering if this is just bad at this time as she's losing her winter coat considerably ?

But with bald patches already, surely the summer coat won't cover them up that much ???

I'm rather worried that I might have to stop riding if it continues as it could get sore? She does have white hair scars on the flat lowest part of her girth area, so she obviously has rubbed raw in the past with her previous owner. She's a grumpy girther too, Im very gentle with her but she would bite you if you weren't looking at her whilst you inch up the holes lol !
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I'm not really sure the answer but your right, it might have something to do with the change of coat. I recently had a problem with my saddle rubbing and although this was a problem with the saddle, my saddler did mention that doesn't help with coat changing etc. Sorry don't know if this is any help !
 
Just wondering if ned could have come into contact with lice? We have an outbreak on our yard and it's a nightmare! Bald patches on neds, left, right and centre! Is your girl itchy?
 
No she's not itchy I don't think, and the bald patches seem to be symetrical so Im quite sure its the girth.

May well try a different sheepskin, do the tack shops supply this Bartl one mentioned ???

Thanks for your replies xxx
 
As her elbow moves, it's not nudging the extra thickness of girth is it? That could cause rubbing on every stride on both sides of her body in the same place, especially with the coat changing at the moment.

Try a Prolite pad rather than sheepskin? My saddler says they're much better and my horse is much more comfy in his...
 
Actually come to think of it yes it is rather thick, I think Becky D has a very good point, I was thinknig of ringing my saddler today to ask her opinion too, Im just thinking also maybe I should tighten my girth an extra hole too to stop any movement? Not that I think Ive been getting any but somethings creating friction !

Thanks again everyone, it is a worry when its your first horse and Id hate to have to stop riding now especially as she's getting fairly fit and the weathers improving - that would be a nightmare !! xx
 
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