Back bumps!

[MsM]

Fellow boarder is trying to figure out some odd bumps on her horse’s back. They are soft, not hot, not particularly sensitive. They appear over the spine at the back part of the withers after riding on and just to the left of the spine. The saddle was professionally fit and we have looked down the channel with a flashlight and cant see where it could be pressing.

She has been trying different saddle pads, well pulled up into the gullet. Also tried half-pads with shims. So far nothing seems to make a difference. Any ideas?

[theresak]

When I stopped bleaching my saddle pads they stopped appearing on my horse, so check the detergent, etc. that is used for washing everything.

[trubandloki]

I will second the idea that it might be a reaction to whatever the saddle pads are cleaned with.

See what happens when you use a pad cleaned in just water, or double rinsed.

[Jealoushe]

Honestly sounds like saddle fit issue. Inflammation in the muscles and fluid pooling.

[luvmyhackney]

Has she tried a different saddle?

Sounds like saddle fit and pressure points.

[xQHDQ]

Had this happen when the horse wasn’t clean enough (even though he looked it). Pores open when they get sweaty, dirt gets in, aggravates skin, causes bumps. I got rid of them by using a fleece pad for a couple weeks.

[UrbanHennery]

Have you checked the tree in the saddle? I had this happen with a well-fitted saddle that appeared to fit in all respects. Doing a tree check showed that the tree had an issue (was broken) that was digging into that same area when there was weight in the saddle.

[MsM]

She can doublecheck, but unlikely. She bought the saddle new, treats it well, and it was just checked by a saddle fitter a month ago.