Horse getting rubbed by things that never rubbed before

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Ahrena

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Hi, I'm feeling a bit stuck and need ideas!

Over the last couple of weeks Squirrel has started getting rubbed by things that used to be fine. I think he is fairly sensitive as he has lost hair on his neck where the reins sit.

Mainly his xc boots. I can't think off the top of my head which they are but expensive and good quality ones. He wore them all last season with no problems. The rubs are on his hind leg, on the back of the fetlock joint, worse on one side than on the other. What would you do about that? He is fairly accident prone so don't want to xc without them! I'm not too concerned about that as we have two events coming up, last is on 6th April then a good 6 weeks before he goes again so hopefully the fur will have grown back and hopefully it won't rub again.

Secondly and more concerning, he has slight rubs either side of his spine towards where the back of the saddle sits. He has 2 saddles, a Kent and masters dressage one which he has had for over a year with no problems. The other is a close contact Albion jump saddle which was brand new in January. Both were fitted by a reputable saddle fitter in Jan who I've used successfully for years. Horse is jumping much better in new saddle.

The hair has gone kind of fuzzy and wirey so wonder if that is making the rub worse? The skin isn't broken but obv I don't want him to get sore!

What do you think? Should I get the saddle fitter out to check? He has a full clip with saddle patch abd legs left on by the way!
 
It's possible he's changed shape. I have the same problem with rubs to the back of the saddle area and my saddler advised putting a prolite rear riser on - he's lost a bit of muscle there as the bad weather has meant less work. Definitely get the saddler to check it out. Maybe you could try Clarendon boots as they have a nice soft lining and see if that helps.
 
Thanks,
Will get saddle fitter out asap. I think he's probably muscled up on his back more than anything as he's working much more through from behind than he used to.

If its gotten slightly too narrow wil the flocking be able to be adjusted to suit?? I spent a fortune on the saddle and I'll be devastated if he needs a new one!
 
Definitely get saddle checked but winter coats are more brittle than summer coats.

I find my boy who actually doesn't get much of a coat at all rubs in pretty much the same places as you describe. It doesn't happen with his summer coat.
 
Its that of year really with the changing of coats mine is clipped, has rubs where the rains sit, where the buckle sits of my breast plate and bac of saddle, i also have too saddles checked every 6 months, pre comp season check is always due now so first time mine got them i booked saddle fitter straight away, apart from a few slight adjustments never had a major problem identified they always say its time of year and its coarse winter hair falling out, easiest trick in the book for less reputable saddle fitters to come out at this time and take saddle away for 2 weeks and bring back having not done anything to it. I try keep the saddle area as clean and soft as possible alway wipe down after riding, and wash down when i'm able at least twice a week. Its prob a good idea to have a least a chat with the saddle fitter.
 
Thanks :) unfortunately he hasn't started moulting yet. Its also not where I normally see rubs from saddles this time of year, its just 2 patches on either side of spine.

Luckily my saddle fitter adjusts them on site so he can't make off with it for 2 weeks ;)

I think it probs is his coat but best get it checked to be on the safe side I think!
 
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