What it looks like
A sore back may show as sensitivity when the saddle area is touched or groomed, dipping away from pressure, reluctance to be tacked up or mounted, tension when ridden, or a change in behaviour or performance. Some horses become cold-backed, hollow under saddle, or resist work they previously accepted.
These signs can be subtle or obvious, and they deserve to be taken seriously.
Veterinary assessment comes first
A sore back can have many causes, and a number of them have nothing to do with the saddle. Possible factors include muscular issues, skeletal problems, lameness elsewhere, dental or other health issues, training, and rider influence, as well as saddle fit. For this reason a sore or reactive back requires veterinary assessment in the first instance. Saddle fit advice is not a substitute for veterinary advice, and we do not diagnose injury or disease.
Where appropriate, a qualified physiotherapist may also be involved alongside your vet.
Fit-related factors to consider
Once a vet has been involved, saddle fit is one part of the picture worth checking. Fit-related factors that can be associated with back discomfort include:
- A saddle that is too narrow or too wide for the horse.
- Uneven pressure from bridging, poor balance or uneven flocking.
- A saddle too long for a short back, loading the loin.
- A saddle that no longer fits because the horse has changed shape.
Addressing these does not replace veterinary care, but it can remove a saddle as an ongoing contributing factor.
How assessment and the right saddle may help
A current back template and photographs let us assess whether the saddle suits the horse as it is now. Through remote saddle fitting, we can advise on adjustments or a more suitable IDEAL saddle, working alongside your vet and physiotherapist. For backs that have changed, IDEAL’s Designed to Order service may be appropriate. See how it works.
Related reading: saddle bridging, white hairs and pressure marks and older horses losing topline.
If your horse has a sore back, please speak to your vet first, then start your saddle enquiry and we will help with the fitting side.