'hot spot'. A place where uneven saddle
pressure pushes on the horse's back, causes a 'numbness' and then warmer to the
touch. How it affects the horse's back depends on how long it
continues. Can cause rubbed off hair, raw spot. One can tell if
the saddle isn't sitting square and close on the horse's back if the hair
along the back of the saddle is worn shorter than rest of hair on back.
Means saddle is twisting or rolling side to side to much as the horse moves -- a
rider without good balance can do this to a saddle too.
I use one-inch egg crate foam pads under all my
saddles. My saddles weight approximately 37 and 65 pounds each.
Started to use foam about 30 years ago with a Leo horse that had horrible
withers. He had really been galled before I bought him -- white hair all
over withers. So (again) an old cowboy friend who packs said to try the
foam pads. They really work plus they help to keep a saddle in place
without a really tight cinch (but I still use breast collars for those up hill
climbs). Have to buy a new foam pad every year and they are getting harder
and harder to find. The blue ones 'people' use in hospitals are not dense
enough.
Can anyone tell me if you run your hand
down a horse's back....and feel a warmer portion toward loin area, but no
signs of soreness or flinching...does this still indicate some
inflammation?
Scenario is 6 year old horse, we are in week 8 of
ponying/riding. She had not been ridden for about 2 years, so I am
taking it slow, with a lot of walking to build up. I am always checking
legs and back after the longer rides....and so far no problems. Saturday
we did a 9 mile ride, took 2 1/2 hours, mostly flat, some gradual
climb. Did a bit more trotting ,and canter at one point.
I use a Sport saddle with skito pad. and have
never had any back soreness with my horses, but am aware this mare will have
to strengthen back muscles as well as get legged up.
Anyway, have never noticed before, a difference
in temperature on the back. Again, she did not show any discomfort to
palpation.
