Help sore back

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Agent XXX999

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Bruces back, for some unknown reason, is really sore (REALLY SORE) I am really upset because I have had both of his saddles fitted and my pads are clean etc so I cant really see any reason for it but none the less he has two sore bits on his back and two bute in his dinner last night....

I have been riding him in his dressage saddle which is a Prestige Appaloosa. It is close contact and I had it fitted in early December. The rubs, one of which is weeping a bit, are literally in the shape of the pads at the back.

I clean my pads weekly on a wash with little detergent…so they are clean and fit properly. I don’t think that the saddle should have caused this – even if I don’t ride in it that often - maybe once a week?

He has worked really hard this weekend (though not over hard for his fitness etc) I did a lot of sitting trot on Saturday but nothing was really showing – I hacked for an hour yesterday and then in the school for 20 mins…

God I feel so guilty?! But what to do??? Help Please!
 
Could he have changed shape since you had the saddle fitted? It could be that he's gained/lost a little bit of muscle, and he's saddle's a little bit off.

It's not your fault- don't feel guilty! You've noticed it, and want to deal with it. I'd bathe thesore bits with some warm salty water. You maybe should try a diffrent saddle pad on him too- that could have shifted can caused the rubs.

*hugs*
 
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He has worked really hard this weekend (though not over hard for his fitness etc) I did a lot of sitting trot on Saturday but nothing was really showing – I hacked for an hour yesterday and then in the school for 20 mins

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I would say the pads are definately the cause. LLooks like no riding for quite some time for the lad.
 
Don't shoot the messenger but could it be his skin has not been hard enough for the work you are asking of him? Sitting trot, if something is not right, is not the best thing; as you know, it's one reason why you don't do sitting trot on a youngster for a while.
Is it possible you are sitting heavier/more unbalanced than normally?
Is it at all possible with having an unclipped saddle patch that you missed some dried sweat and this has rubbed, otherwise all things being equal, it sounds like a skin reaction to a cleaner or something in the water which has irritated him.
Either way, sadly, it will mean no riding for some time until it's thoroughly healed and hard again; what a bummer!
 
I'd get saddle checked again, take him off all work. check everything you clean and treat your saddle with to check for skin reactions. I'd also get a physio for him when its healed up. If it gets worse get vet out.
 
You see – I would see your point if it was on one side, but it is even, which is weird don’t you think?

As soon as he is healed I will be armed with my bottle of surgical spirit, but he is nearly 7…
 
okay to be a bit blunt sorry!! i would personally not ride my horse if the sores are directly under where you sit, imagine wearing a pair of shoes that rubbed your feet i think not. and get the saddle fitter back out as it could well be a balance issue with the saddle. in the meantime lunge loose with no roller to keep fit etc or loose school. do you have lessons maybe try lifting your rib cage to sit light in the saddle for a bit as well or work out the saddle when you first get back on. good luck
 
I had my saddle checked on Friday as she had developed a bald patch each side at the back, sort of just in front of the cantle. I was impressed at how straight I must sit! Anyway, saddler said saddle was fine, but as horses come into change of coat they quite often get manky bits this time of year. I imagine that yours are just a bit worse after him working hard all weekend. Interestingly, saddler did flock the front of my saddle a bit and said to ride without a numnah for the time being.
smile.gif

Hope he heals quickly - what a bum!
 
Um - I havent ridden him?!?!? Thank you for your advice though - he is being lunged.

I am so gutted about it though as I am really concious of their backs and for this to happen is a bit of a shock!
 
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