PFI Magazine

QUESTION

Hi Josh,

Enjoyed your article on saddle fitting. I have a question for you, probably several questions. My horse is a 6 yr. old, 15 H, 900 lb. well-conditioned MFT with good withers. My saddle is a Tucker Endurance. My saddle pad is a 3/4″ Skito to which I’ve added front and rear shims. Even before the shims there was a lot of hair on the front and rear of the pad while the middle section of the pad stays clean. The rear of the saddle sits up but I don’t notice any rocking back and forth before cinching. My horse has white hairs in the hollow areas behind the withers. This is the result a friction rub from a previous gaited saddle. I have a fairly good sweat pattern except for a small place in this area with the white hairs. What do you think is the problem here and what do you recommend that I do.

Best,
Linda

ANSWER

Hi Linda,

The dry spots around the white hair are most likely from the white hair. I know that statement doesn’t make sense, so let me explain what I mean.

White hairs are a direct result of unequal pressure. The unequal pressure actually kills the sweat glands in that area, causing the hair to lose its pigment. Sometimes the glands “come back to life”, and sometimes they do not. Don’t be worried about the dryness around those areas unless your horse becomes sensitive to pressure there.

As for the back of the saddle; most saddles are built with enough rock to the back of the bars to not put direct pressure on the kidney area at the back of the bars. It is completely normal for them to be up off of his back ½” to 1”. This usually levels out when you are seated in the saddle. With your saddle pad; usually hair accumulates where there is movement. I would say due to his animated motion in both the front and rear, it has caused the hair to stick to your pad there. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about, but keep an eye on it. If anything erratic begins to occur, seek the help of a professional in your area. I would try using the same pad, but possibly try removing the rear shims. This may allow the saddle to sit more level on his back, if it is rearing up more than an inch.

It certainly sounds like you are on the road to getting his back in good condition again. Please feel free to contact me in the future with any questions you might have. You can find this response, and other articles coming soon on www.pfimagazine.com.

-Ride on-
Josh

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