Answer

By Your Horse

Master saddler Andrew Reilly advises…
First, have your horse’s back checked by a professional. The contact between the weight bearing part of the saddle and the horse’s back is crucial. It should give an even feel when you run your fingertips between it and the horse’s back.

Your horse’s problems could also arise if your saddle slips or rubs. Sore muscles underneath the saddle (especially under or behind the rear) may be because it’s out of balance, ie pommel high and cantle low. Adjusting the flocking or using a suitable saddle pad can help to re-balance it (though it may need replacing). I’d also recommend the horse’s back is checked by a professional.

The saddle’s arch being too low on the withers is an obvious but often overlooked problem. Remedies include adding flock to the front of the saddle, using a saddle pad or replacing the saddle.

Swellings under the saddle may be due to excessively hard and/or uneven flocking. If the saddle slides left or right there may be asymmetry in the horse’s back, the saddle could be unbalanced or there may be uneven loading on the girth straps causing it to twist.