I have a horse that has an abcess on his wither... some say that it is my saddle that is causing it?

Question

I was just wondering if because my saddle is to "wide" for my horses wither that it could cause such? Also if anyone has good brands for saddles, and in the mean time if anyone can think of anything that could help?

Answer 1

Your saddle couldn't be properly fitting your horse but theres ways to solve this problem. Get thicker pads instead of buying a brand new saddle, you can get thick foam pads, or get pads just for the withers. I bought the Justin Orthepedic Pad. Its worked wonders, its about $100 but as much as I used it it'll really pay off.

I'd say for right now, I'd give the horse some bute and turn them out for a week and let the abcess heal on its own

Answer 2

you might yourself be the cause by riding legs hanging down out of the stirrups.

Answer 3

you should probably use a thicker pad..its from the saddle rubbing on his withers.

Answer 4

Pommel of saddle should clear whithers.  If saddle seems wide and pommel seems low, have saddle checked for a cracked or broken tree.

Prominent whithers may require custom saddle or pad.  Even a moderately priced saddle should have good generic craftsmanship.  Pommel should allow free movement of whithers.

Answer 5

Before spending big money on a whole new saddle, do some basic checks. I am assuming you rode english, and am writing from an English style perspective.

Place the saddle on your horse's back and look down the tree from the front. You should be able to see light on the other side. If not, the saddle is too small and could be pinching your horse's withers.

Now before you go spending big money on a new saddle, try some different pads. There are gel pads, keyholes, sheepskins, and several others to give added protection and support, and to prevent rubbing.

Good luck!

Answer 6

I am not a veterinarian. but a good saddle could be a Billy Cook. Custom made are the best but they run around $5k

Answer 7

It is most likely the saddle. You might want to try different pads which helps a lot but you might need a new saddle.