TB's sore back after riding

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rowdreyer

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I have a ex racer that has been in work for a couple of months since leaving the track in January. He's doing so well and really enjoying his work but I'm noticing that after I've ridden him longer than an hour or doing canter work his back is sore under the saddle when i untack him. He is thin skinned and sensitive anyway but this is more uncomfortable than I'd expect. His saddle is made to measure and only fitted 3 weeks ago, I use a cotton Stubben numnah only, would you use a sheep skin pad too? I'm worried about affecting the fit of the saddle and causing more issues (can't get hold of saddler at the moment!) Thank you!
 
Get a back person out to check him. Your saddle may not be the problem but she/he will be able to pinpoint any problems.
 
As M says, and ask your saddler about using a sheepskin pad
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Thanks for the advice! I did have Physio out a few weeks back, unfortunately she could only do a bit as he hated her tweaking him and was lashing out at her (told you he was sensitive). She reckoned he wasn't too bad and if anything his pelvis was slightly unlevel, she's comeing back in a month to see him again. He just dips when you run your hands along his back with any pressure, not in a particular place, just general discomfort where the saddle was. He has been sweating quite a bit recently (due to weather!)
 
don't forget when TB's are in training they wear training saddles or soft saddles and layers include a towel, polypad numnah, felt pad and then quarter sheet so have plenty of layers between them and a "general shaped" pretty flexible saddle,
dunno if it has relevence - but just a thought....
if he's sweating quite alot i'd certainly recommend thoroughly washing the area to avoid build up of sweat to cause a sweat rash - especially if he's sensitive

hope you find both the cause of the problem and the solution!
 
if you say he is sensitive he may just be reacting to your finger pressure, not actually be in pain from saddle. does he do this before you ride ?
 
My TB could look a bit 'hollow' after riding. Especially after a hack when he wasnt being asked to use himself properly. I used to dismount, take his saddle off and so a few tail pull stretches. Seemed to release any muscles in his back straight away and muscles across back went spongy again
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And before anyone asks, yes his saddle fitted, his teeth were done regularly and he was treated by a physio and osteo lol
 
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