Boots rubbing away on the side of the horse

[Kenzo]

Bit of strange one really and I'm a bit bamboodled as to what could be causing it.

Basically he's got a bald patch where his fur has worn away just behind the girth, basically where my leg is (heel of boot) mainly on one side, just a tad on the other.

Initially thoughts were, well it must be my leg!, he's a big lazy bones at times and I'm one of those riders that likes a horse to walk on briskly so yes you do have to nudge him on, in the past I've often ridden with my inside leg off the sides (due to senstive TB's or spooky types...so ride a little more K legged if you see what I mean) but he needs plenty of leg.

Thing is I've never done this before on any other horses...even if you do need to keep your leg on and I've been really cautious of what both legs are doing...as in one more active than the other etc but there both the same.

It only started when I started riding in my country boots (think Dubarry Style) and there a little wee bit too big so my heal is actually a bit higher in my boot than where you'd expect it to be, I'm wondering if its my boots that are chaffing? as they have those ridges of leather strips going around, I duno.

But I also noticed on the same side he must of been knawing a little on the fur near his hock because there is a bit of hair missing there too, I wonder if he's chewing/itching himself when he lays down? I've never actually seen him rubbing ever so I don't think he's got anything.

I've checked his rug and there is nothing in that area that would rub.

Also he's had a short break for about 2-3 weeks yet the baldy patch had got worse in that time?, so again I don't think its purely down to my leg.

Just wondered if anyone else had encountered this?

 

[Peacelily]

hmm first would think it would be your boots - the country boots are often a rougher material rather than a clear leather aren't they?

may it's irritating his side and then he's scratching a bit more at it?

What if you try going back to leather boots and see if it gets worse or gets better...
also if you're constantly badgering him with your leg, try being a bit more pony club of kick them tap with stick if doesn't listen to get him off your leg a bit more....

(or burn out for a canter to liven him up a little

)

 

[Kenzo]

Yes that is what I was thinking.

Never had the problem before in all the years I've ridden, then suddenly this happens, part of me is thinking oh god its my legs, or is just the boots, or is because he's a lazy lump and I'm nagging more than usual, but even with others I've ridden I've sometimes had to nag them a bit but never done this, he was ok until I started riding in those boots, but then his belly wasnt as big also.

hmmm maybe its just a combination of all the above.

I'd use my best boots but, since Christmas I've put a bit of weight on and their too tight to zip up

mabe its my cankles?

 

[Tanta]

I wouldnt worry about it - often happens this time of year when horses changing their coats. One of our horses always rubs around now, and it looks a bit odd, but soon goes away when their summer coat comes through. As suggested, you could change to other boots or chaps - or just put a bit of vaseline or something on the area....

 

[MegaBeast]

may be the boots but is probably just the time of year with the coat change. My mare has moth eaten patches under her saddle flaps just because her coat is on the change. Try putting some vaseline/baby oil on the area