Chafing problem? Here's the answer!

[right_horse_at_the_right_time]

Breeches with a gusset.

[SillyHorse]

Lucky me – I suffer from both lichen sclerosus (treated topically) and the, erm, anatomy issue. I think I will try the cracked nipple cream. Vaseline is messy.

[lorilu]

When I got a new saddle I had chaffing issues. Here is what works for me:
A folded CLOTH diaper under panties, powdered with anti-monkee butt powder. Some boy shorts but not others - the seams were the issue. I also sometimes have issues with the front seam on panties and have recently seen some with a welded seam there rather than sewn - even “seamless” panties have this front seam where the gusset is sewn on. In general, I use the Monkee Butt powder rather liberally when I know I will be having a big lesson or riding hard such as at a show. (Why did I stick with the saddle you ask? It fixed some position flaws and I pushed through it and after about three weeks everything was better. ) https://www.antimonkeybutt.com/

[Scribbler]

@netg

Written like the expert you are.

Obviously, as we age (or have any physical issues like the health issue with a cure mentioned by a previous poster) we get more sensitive.

However, most people I know who have had issues, either had saddle fit or position issues. And we all need different types of saddles. I NEED a flatter seat - scoop shapes which don’t have a flat spot kill me. I have a tendency to tip forward on my crotch, and have realized my pelvis floor is angled - so I need the very steep rise pommel which can wreak havoc on some women (and my male trainer isn’t so fond, either.) I also have to have both a very narrow twist (and saddle flocking to raised the middle/not thicken under the top of my thighs really helps me with that), but a wider seat - because I have a large backside, and a narrower seat can basically give me a saddle wedgie which isn’t as huge a chafing issue, but still uncomfortable. I have friends who need the exact opposite.

One hint to what you’ll need is looking at your shape standing. Most people who tend to get “saddle bags,” who tend to have a thigh gap at least when thinner, and who tend more toward a flat butt, have hip sockets which point more outward. In my small sample size, that shape individual more commonly has more chafing problems, as saddles tend toward narrow twist more often these days, and they need a wider twist.

For those of us who naturally have larger quads and butts, and tend toward more of an arch in our lower back naturally, our hip sockets tend to point more forward. We’re the ones who tend to be tighter and more restrictive in our seats, and also need much narrower twist saddles. We’re the ones for whom things like Monkey Butt Powder is more likely to be all we need to help.

Generalizations, of course, but…

Ok, that is totally fascinating! Totally new information for me! I’m in the second camp, right down to needing antichafe gel on my butt but not on my lady parts. I also find it fairly easy to point my toes forward.

Now I want to know about being tighter in the seat. I’m not the most flexible person in the world to begin with.

Btw when my horse started to outgrow one of her saddles and it wasn’t sitting right, I started to really get butt sore, when before there was no problem in that saddle.

[chantal]

“For those of us who naturally have larger quads and butts, and tend toward more of an arch in our lower back naturally, our hip sockets tend to point more forward. We’re the ones who tend to be tighter and more restrictive in our seats, and also need much narrower twist saddles. We’re the ones for whom things like Monkey Butt Powder is more likely to be all we need to help.”

I sit this way, large quads and tight/restrictive hips. And yes the anti-chafing cream of choice helps. As does no seams. Seams are wicked.

And yes, when growth/change occurs in the horse, things change as well. I never ever used to chafe. I see it as progression in my riding but, owch!!

[ThreeFigs]

Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel. Huh, never heard of it before – but sounds like an excellent product! I will give it a try. After another one of my saddle experiments yesterday, I had a chafed bottom. Dammit.

[LPG]

Do these gels/lubricants and creams get onto your breeches, making them look wet? I have tried seamless underwear and I still chafe where the seams of my breeches are. I’ll have to try the Monistat Chafing Relief powder gel.

[Scribbler]

@LPG

Do these gels/lubricants and creams get onto your breeches, making them look wet? I have tried seamless underwear and I still chafe where the seams of my breeches are. I’ll have to try the Monistat Chafing Relief powder gel.

I’ve used the Lanacane antichafing gel and it goes on sparingly and dries. I expect that KY Jelly personal lube or Vaseline would stay wetter but only if you used an awful lot. The idea is to reduce friction not keep the surface actually moist.

[LPG]

@Scribbler

I’ve used the Lanacane antichafing gel and it goes on sparingly and dries. I expect that KY Jelly personal lube or Vaseline would stay wetter but only if you used an awful lot. The idea is to reduce friction not keep the surface actually moist.

Thank you!!

[emipou]

Petroleum issues aside, when I was really at the height of getting into shape and walking multiple miles a day, I started getting the worst blisters on my toes. My sister told me that petroleum jelly is a “runner’s secret” for lubricating. makes sense. It helped!

[netg]

@Scribbler

Ok, that is totally fascinating! Totally new information for me! I’m in the second camp, right down to needing antichafe gel on my butt but not on my lady parts. I also find it fairly easy to point my toes forward.

Now I want to know about being tighter in the seat. I’m not the most flexible person in the world to begin with.

Btw when my horse started to outgrow one of her saddles and it wasn’t sitting right, I started to really get butt sore, when before there was no problem in that saddle.

So to be looser in the seat and really allow the horse to move, your legs almost have to be slightly off the horse from hip sockets down. Our legs are automatically more pinched. On top of that, you’re supposed to absorb motion in the hip sockets. Our hip sockets get more compression type movement because of their angle, so it simply isn’t as easy to have that specific type of motion. At least, from my own observations of my struggles. I saw a video someone posted online where I admired how loose her seat and legs were and almost commented -but then realized it would sound like a backhanded compliment. I’m certain she’s the type who has to work not to be flopped everywhere, but she wasn’t - she was just soft enough her horse was really happy to have her riding!

[SillyHorse]

@LPG

Do these gels/lubricants and creams get onto your breeches, making them look wet? I have tried seamless underwear and I still chafe where the seams of my breeches are. I’ll have to try the Monistat Chafing Relief powder gel.

I always put the lubricant on a thin menstrual pad that’s between me and my underwear.

[Scribbler]

@netg

So to be looser in the seat and really allow the horse to move, your legs almost have to be slightly off the horse from hip sockets down. Our legs are automatically more pinched. On top of that, you’re supposed to absorb motion in the hip sockets. Our hip sockets get more compression type movement because of their angle, so it simply isn’t as easy to have that specific type of motion. At least, from my own observations of my struggles. I saw a video someone posted online where I admired how loose her seat and legs were and almost commented -but then realized it would sound like a backhanded compliment. I’m certain she’s the type who has to work not to be flopped everywhere, but she wasn’t - she was just soft enough her horse was really happy to have her riding!

You know I think I have got the side to side looseness in the hips, but it wasn’t innate and it took a while to develop.

[SuzieQNutter]

You can always google it yourself. Most products in skin facial creams nowadays will say no petroleum. Petroleum was being found in autopsies according to the Doctors on TV.

[CanteringCarrot]

No chafing problem, but I find the hip thing interesting. I have tight forward pointing hips and got away with it for years in jumpers and eventing. I switched to straight dressage for now and realized how important my hips are when riding. It’s taken me a year or so to finally get them loosened up and proper. The right saddle definitely helps! The minute I sat in my Fairfax it really encouraged me to open my hips. This suppleness does not come so naturally to all of us.
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Personally, brand of saddle is somewhat irrelevant to me as long as it’s good quality, fits me, and fits the horse. I think the wrong saddle could absolutely cause chafing.

[SuzieQNutter]

Yes I have been chafed by some saddles at the riding school. Not the saddles I have bought.

[MsM]

Another view of the problem:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/when-life-rubs-you-the-wrong-way

[NMK]

Just a small amount of Monistat creme works. Found it as a duathlete. Many hours on a bike results in the same issue. You don’t need any pads, it doesn’t stain, just a dab and you’re good to go.

[Archer]

Funny timing: I’m dealing with this currently, and it’s a new problem for me. I am using VMagic Balm, which is fantastic. I was also wondering if the seamless thread knickers might be helpful.

[Scribbler]

@Pierogi

Funny timing: I’m dealing with this currently, and it’s a new problem for me. I am using VMagic Balm, which is fantastic. I was also wondering if the seamless thread knickers might be helpful.

Maybe those would work if there’s some built in padding. But the cut of these looks like it would be unstable for riding. I like full cut briefs that come down under the butt cheek so they don’t ride up.