Rub marks on sides

[tatty_v]

Hi all

My pony is growing out his October blanket clip (clouds of white fluff everywhere!) but I've noticed he's got some rub marks on his sides where my legs sit when riding. I feel awful about it, although the skin hasn't broken and they don't seem tender or sore. Is this normal and is there anything I should put on them to try and help, or will they just grow out as his summer coat comes through properly?

Thanks

 

[Damnation]

Grey horses do seem to have more sensative skin/fur when riding! Especially when clipped.

If it was me, I'd either clip lower so the fur is still there protecting his skin in winter where your leg sits or leaving a patch where your leg sits.

I've known this happen to a few greys when clipped.

ETA: Yes it should grow back through with his summer coat I wouldn't put anything on them as it could make the skin softer and more sensative when you ride. Perhaps look at the fabric of your chaps or whatever trousers you wear for riding if its a rough material? Go for a smooth leather Gaitor or boot when riding.

When you ride just try and me midful to keep your legs still

 

[tatty_v]

Thank you I think next year I will perhaps try and get a lower clip line (it ended up higher this year due to him wriggling!) I've given him a couple of days off, changed boots and changed stirrup length and touch wood they look a bit better.

 

[Goldenstar]

I had trouble with rubs on fine skinned horses .
One could not be ridden in suede chaps they just rubbed her coat away and another got what looked like a spur mark I was mortified until it kept appearing and I was not wearing spurs I then realised it was the little spur stand on the side of my boots .

 

[Red-1]

As above, OH's horse was a grey, and only at coat change time we would have an issue. He would get bare patches, and once OH was mortified that he looked as if he had a spur mark, despite no spurs. The culprit was his Mountain Horse boots, that had a few stitches missing, so the leather seam was a little ruffled.

We had a huge bath towel that he had under the saddle that covered his sides for those few weeks. You can now get a specially made "bandage" that is meant for spurs, but would also work for bare patches from legs. The bath towel worked just fine though.

His next coat always came through unharmed, and as it only happened at coat change time it was only ever a couple of weeks of unsightly sides.