Best products for horse with very sensitive skin?

[TheBayThoroughbred]

Hi all, I have a 12yr old thoroughbred gelding with very sensitive skin. He is very gentle and sweet by nature, so he has never bitten, kicked, stomped, or been in any way aggressive with me no matter what I do around him, but when grooming him even very gently (but firmly to not tickle him) with a soft body brush, he is constantly flinching, swishing his tail, and moving away from me as much as he can. After riding, where I use a simple quilted saddle pad, nothing fancy, and a synthetic girth, there is a strange rubbed imprint on his coat in the same quilted pattern, like he has been wearing the saddle for days, instead of an hour. I haven't had him for long, so I have no idea if this also shows under his winter coat. I don't think it is very painful, but I don't like my boy to be uncomfortable, so if anyone knows of some ways to groom him so he enjoys it and we can bond, and something to put under his saddle to stop the rubbing, I'd be really grateful.

Thanks!

TheBayThoroughbred xxx

 

[CMcC]

What about trying the grooming/massage gloves on him, you will get a better feel of the right amount of pressure to use.
Re the quilting pattern on the hair under saddle after riding don't think this is anything to worry about mine get it. If he doesn't seem to have any reaction to it just rinse off - could use a nice no-rinse wash, I use a lavender one or Botanica do one which is for itchy/sensitive skin.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

With a sensitive horse, sheepskin is your friend. So I would suggest that you try a sheepskin numnah.

For some reason my super sensitive lad (who normally hates being groomed) actually likes those plastic 'magic brushes.' Maybe worth a try?

 

[Midlifecrisis]

Just a thought but are you tickling him with the brush rather than brushing him with a firm definite stroke because that can irritate some horses. Ive often seen saddle pad/numnah patterns imprinted on hair after saddle removed..usually when saddle pads etc are new and a bit stiff.

 

[Sussexbythesea]

Just a thought but are you tickling him with the brush rather than brushing him with a firm definite stroke because that can irritate some horses. Ive often seen saddle pad/numnah patterns imprinted on hair after saddle removed..usually when saddle pads etc are new and a bit stiff.

My thoughts also.

Also my Lemieux saddle pads did the same thing when they were new.