Soft lump after riding?

[deicinmerlyn]

Since having a new dressage saddle (Omni) fitted to my TB I have noticed a small soft swelling to the right side of his spine (where the saddle doesn't touch) after being ridden.

It goes down within an hour and doesn't seem to bother him. I have called the saddler back and he checked it and says the saddle fits really well.

I have changed saddlecloths to see if it is that but it doesnt really make any difference. The swelling appears slightly smaller each time i ride (usually an hours hacking)

Any ideas what could be causing this?

 

[warbank]

Our pony had a lump appear on his spine after riding, which when down quickly too, saddler came and said saddle cloth we were using was too thick, so have changed to thin cotton one and so far it has not re-appeared.

 

[pootler]

I contacted one of our very experienced forum members as I remembered her having the same problem as I did and wanted her advice. This was her reply to me (happy to credit her if she would like!)

"yes, it was me. if it is just to the side of the spine (or over it, perhaps), soft, no pain on pressing it, and comes only after the horse has been ridden, always in exactly the same place, and then goes completely within 20-40 mins, then it sounds like what my mare has.
my master saddler described it as follows: a weak blood vessel which crosses the spine, and when pressed from both sides by the panels of the saddle, leaks into the surrounding tissues slightly, like a little balloon - this is the swelling. as soon as the pressure is removed, the leaked blood gradually dissipates again. he told me it is nothing to worry about, and as long as there is no pain on palpation, i agree with him.

interestingly, it comes up on my mare with any saddle, prolite, pad, etc etc, except for: my Barrie Swaine saddles, and when using a Suberpad (filled with little cork pieces) with any other saddle. Only trouble is i've found the suberpad makes the saddle sit very high off the horse's back."

 

[deicinmerlyn]

Thanks Pootler, that description of where the lump is located is exactly the same on my horse. I'm just wondering why it should suddenly happen with this saddle and not with my old saddle which didnt actually fit him.

Is it safe to carry on and does it eventually go away. I am obviously worried that it may make him sore in the long run.