Im afraid i am going to disagree with everyone! In the last 2 photos (not the ridden one) he does look like he has fat deposits on his hindquarters above the tail and the back of his belly, near the flank.
(numpty me posted a reply on your link then realised it hadnt come up here! But thats what i said^)
And i've always wondered about the bit above his tail etc aswell but its not really budged even with extra work etc , so its had me a bit stumped . Can see what you mean though.
He's been in the near - on bald field for about 3 weeks now so would've thought that with the added work load would've had some affect by now
He's 11, he's never really dropped weight as such even through winter and I'm the first to hold my hands up and say the spring grass "hit us," very unexpectantly , lol.
Ive seen far worse but for me i would like him without the fat pads. Dont over-rug him in the winter, that will help him lose a bit before next spring.
Of course , no fat pads - my ideal. I suppose the past year hasn't been the easiest RE work-load as he scared me for a good 6-7 months so the "proper," work is only really starting since December.
Thanks for your help x