Fitter horse or poor saddle fit?

[Juxtapoze]

I’ve been working with a 16 yr old very high-withered TB for almost a year now. Before I brought him back to work, he was a pasture ornament for likely 10 yrs. Not much muscle when I started with him. Quite fit now.

Last two months I noticed the pocket behind his wither is getting slightly more hollow. Horse has a large shoulder, A-frame back that is fairly narrow at spine and widens as it proceeds down to barrel.

I’ve checked my saddle fit umpteenth times. Saddle seems to be correct width, no bridging or rocking, correct placement two fingers behind shoulder blade, sweat pattern normal, no rubs on top of spine. If I’m nitpicky, I’d love for front of saddle to sit 1/4-1/2 inch higher. Saddle has 1 yr of moderate use, flocking is still very full.

Checked body for soreness on a regular basis. No signs of that. Horse is moving better than ever.

Am I being paranoid?

Could this change just be the horse getting fitter or should I be worried about trapezius atrophy from poor saddle fit?

Would a bit more cushion under saddle (due to horse’s age/conformation) help? If yes, I’d love suggestions for cushier dressage pads (minus any bulky sheepskin or fleece combos) or a high end thin half pad. There’s not much extra room in shoulder area. I’m just using a standard cotton saddle pad right now.

Thanks friends!

[Scribbler]

@Juxtapoze

I’ve been working with a 16 yr old very high-withered TB for almost a year now. Before I brought him back to work, he was a pasture ornament for likely 10 yrs. Not much muscle when I started with him. Quite fit now.

Last two months I noticed the pocket behind his wither is getting slightly more hollow. Horse has a large shoulder, A-frame back that is fairly narrow at spine and widens as it proceeds down to barrel.

I’ve checked my saddle fit umpteenth times. Saddle seems to be correct width, no bridging or rocking, correct placement two fingers behind shoulder blade, sweat pattern normal, no rubs on top of spine. If I’m nitpicky, I’d love for front of saddle to sit 1/4-1/2 inch higher. Saddle has 1 yr of moderate use, flocking is still very full.

Checked body for soreness on a regular basis. No signs of that. Horse is moving better than ever.

Am I being paranoid?

Could this change just be the horse getting fitter or should I be worried about trapezius atrophy from poor saddle fit?

Would a bit more cushion under saddle (due to horse’s age/conformation) help? If yes, I’d love suggestions for cushier dressage pads (minus any bulky sheepskin or fleece combos) or a high end thin half pad. There’s not much extra room in shoulder area. I’m just using a standard cotton saddle pad right now.

Thanks friends!

Maybe we need a photo.

In general bigger hollows suggest something is not working 100% with the feed and training. He could be fit but not carrying himself in a way to develop correct back muscling.

[Scribbler]

It’s hard to compare photos because the back lighting in the current photo doesn’t provide a clear view of the contours like the 2019 photo. From these photos his hollows don’t look worse now.

[SerenaGinger]

Is he eating off the ground or up higher ?

[sheltona01]

I agree with scribbler, does not look worse than before. He is better muscled over the rest if his body, so you may noticing it more. Also without a tracing from before it after, you will never really know. It could be a saddle fitting issue, or something else. Have you had a saddle fitter look at the saddle?

[PossumHorse]

That area naturally gets more hollow as they age. Fat is stored in different areas with age.