Saddle sore spot on horse's back

Question

The horse I'm (half) leasing has got a very small (about the size of a dime) saddle sore on his back, near his withers.

The previous owner sold him to a new barn, and the new owner now has a young boy taking lessons on him aside from me leasing him-so they have been putting a smaller saddle on him and I am certain this is what is causing it.

I've been putting a special pad on under the saddle, and the sore is looking a TON better-but I am wondering if there is any sort of ointment I can put on it to help it heal, and also to have in handy in case it comes back (which hopefully, it will not). I have mentioned it to the owner, and she says she's going to keep an eye on it-but I'd like to do my job and make sure it gets better as well. He's her horse, so I can't exactly tell her what she can and can't do with him, but hopefully something will change with that boy using a saddle which clearly doesn't fit poor Cappy's back. =[

Anyway, suggestions to help it heal would be greatly appreciated! =]

Answer 1

There is an inexpensive ointment that you can use for any minor cut or laceration on a horse.  It helps it heal as well as helps prevent hairless scarring or scarring where the hair comes in white. We use it all the time for kicks, fence boo boos and also when someone rode our horse in a small saddle.  It is called FURIZONE, and you can get it at most tack or feed stores.  $7.00 I think. It comes in a black jar with yellow lid and writing. Great stuff!  Sounds like Cappy has high withers like our Bonanza.  This can eventually lead to the whithers being damaged and the need of a chiropractor.  BUT, I know he isn't yours, and you are doing your best for him. Take care, and nice look out on the withers.  A lot people tend not to notice the "little" things.  I hope this helped you...

Answer 2

You can use any triple-antibiotic ointment on it. I usually use a large glob of Neosporin.

Is there any way you can talk to the boy's parents about the saddle (or is the owner his mom?)? You could even suggest he borrow your saddle pad. He should at least use more padding if he can't use a different saddle.

If you and the boy have a mutual trainer, have them talk about saddle fit and tell him that his saddle isn't the best for the horse.

The owner isn't responsible if she lets someone ride the horse in a saddle that doesn't fit. If the owner continues to show a lack of concern, let her know that you aren't comfortable with the lack of care and you would prefer to back out of the lease if the horse isn't getting properly taken care of.

Answer 3

try usuing a saddle pad and put some cream on it!

Answer 4

See a chiropractor. The saddle sore may not be the only sore place on your horse's back.

Answer 5

A really cool thing you can do is rent an infra red heat camera and look at the top of his back after he has been turned out, after you ride him and after the boy rides him. This will without a doubt tell you where the sore is coming from. Of course it's not the easiest or cheapest endeavor. Try and get a professional saddle fitter to look at his back and your saddle, it's usually gratis or a small fee.

If it is hurting him he'll let you know. Try a kinesiologist if he is sore.  

Answer 6

One word. Emu oil. ( oh..I guess that is TWO words)

It really works! You can get it at any pharmacy, usually in a sports rub, with various names, such as Super Blue Stuff.

But, if the store carries just plain emu oil, it is fine.Ask at the counter, as it is hard to find.

That is something that the 'owner' wouldn't object to.

You sure need to watch that sore, as they can really blow up and cause major issues. In my novice days, (40 years ago)  I ruined a great horse, by allowing someone to ride with an ill fitting saddle.

Answer 7

Decades ago when I worked at Sea Horse Ranch, Half Moon Bay, CA, the ranch hands taught me that if a saddle didn't fit, there were several things you could do to help the horse.

First, if there was already a sore on the horse's back, you could wash it down after EVERY ride with salt water.  This helps the spot to heal and toughens up that area.

Secondly, you take the saddle pads that come in contact with that area and cut out a hole, so that nothing touches the sore.

:::Knocks on wood:::  Thankfully, I haven't had a sore backed horse since I learned that riding double wasn't all that healthy for my horse, over 40 years ago.

Answer 8

Get some special Ointment stuff from the vet which helps cuts and sores.

Also try a gel/padded pad. It is what is also used with race horses it is about 1-2cm thcik and is a special pad that goes on top of the saddle blanket then the saddle is placed upon it :)

Also it could be a bad saddle fitting but just watch it for awhile after u have placed the ointment on =)