How to help heal bruising from new saddle?

[Dizzle]

Well, saddle fitter is coming back next week and bringing some more saddles, horse has two ‘bruised’ patches where his shoulders have hit the saddle flaps (he has huge shoulders) I was going to get the physio out but realistically I’m not sure there’s much she can do for the bruises as I haven’t ridden enough for muscle damage?

I just wondered if there was anything I could do to aid the healing before the fitter comes out? Would cold hosing the effected patches help the bruising? Or what about a gentle massage?

 

[Dubsie]

Arnica is always good with bruises

 

[ThePony]

I personally wouldn't massage (I wouldn't want someone rubbing any bruises I have!). As well as arnica you could try dabbing witch hazel on the area too (cheap from your local chemist and shouldn't give any skin probs or anything). If he is finding it uncomfortable even with riding stopped then you could just pop him on the occational bute until it settles. If he is really sore then it might be worth putting the saddle fitters visit back abit until he is sorted. Poor chap, hope you manage to get a good saddle sorted soon - is such a tricky thing to get right!