Rubbing Saddle

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CheziBrown

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I bought a new saddle just before Christmas (it was especially made to fit my horse) - it has been reflocked since I bought it but recently it has started to rub at the back (i.e. where it sits on his numnah) - his back also seems a bit sore. When I first bought him he had a really sore back (after getting vet to see him etc, I decided to get a new saddle which I knew would definately fit him. However it's now started to rub. I had a look tonight without his numnah on etc and it seems to still fit fine - i'm going to call the saddler out again but does anyone have any suggestions why it is rubbing him at the back ? I seem to be going back to square one after getting his back better and sorting saddle out etc this is happening again. I've thought maybe it's my riding but can't see what I can be doing so wrong as I have regular lessons etc ?
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The saddle was made to fit with nothing underneath it so possibly the numnah is causing the problem.
 
It may be that the horse has changed shape in that time - especially if it is now able to move properly and its muscles have now developed. has his back changed shape?

My first thought would be that it is now sitting too high in front and therefore pressing further on the back and rubbing.

As for numnahs, I only use nuumed hi-wither ones - they are really thin so do not mess around with the fit. otherwise, if it is remedial I use bartle/mattes sheepskins.
 
If the horse is working well and not actually sore in the back it could just be because thick winter hair is more brittle and breaks more easily so rubs are more commonly seen in winter. Tho of course if you are worried always best to get a saddler to check
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He has slightly lost weight over the last month or so, at the moment I have a thin saddle cloth on and a equi-gel pad which my saddler recommended until it has been reflocked a couple of times.

It was a very expensive saddle so i'm praying it's going to be okay and is just something simple - however I don't want him to be in any pain.

Thanks for your help.
 
If he has lost weight, it may be that the saddle is now not fitting correctly although did when your saddler came out before Christmas. unfortunately you can only fit the saddle to the horse on the day.

Do you have any pics?

I have been asked about rubs quite a lot and I have also heard various ideas about it being natural especially with thin skinned TBs etc. I think this is absolute rubbish - my anglo is incredibly thin skinned and I dont have any rubs whatsoever.
 
OK, it sounds as if he has probably lost weight over the wither area so the sadlde is tipping forward. This can be corrected by additional flocking. Does that sound a reasonable answer in your case?
 
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