What it looks like
White hairs appearing in the saddle area, particularly over the wither or either side of the spine, are often associated with sustained pressure. You might also see dry patches in an otherwise sweaty saddle area after work, rubs, scurf, temporary indentations in the coat, or localised heat or swelling.
These signs tend to develop where pressure is concentrated rather than spread evenly.
Common fit-related causes
White hairs and pressure marks are commonly associated with uneven or excessive pressure from the saddle. Fit-related causes can include:
- A tree too narrow, pinching either side of the wither.
- A saddle bridging, concentrating pressure at the front and back of the panel.
- Uneven flocking or an unbalanced saddle, often showing marks on one side.
- A hardened or poorly maintained panel.
- A numnah or pad bunching or being pulled down onto the wither.
Dry patches, in particular, are often read as areas where pressure has interfered with normal sweating, so they are worth investigating.
When to involve a vet or physiotherapist
Pressure marks, swelling, heat or any sore reaction require assessment. While they are frequently linked to fit, they can also accompany other issues, so please involve a vet, and where appropriate a qualified physiotherapist. Saddle fit advice is not a substitute for veterinary advice, and we do not diagnose injury or disease.
How assessment and the right saddle may help
The location of marks tells us a great deal. A back template, clear photographs including the saddle area itself, and details of where the marks appear all feed into remote saddle fitting. We can then advise on width, balance, flocking or a more suitable IDEAL saddle. For unusual shapes, IDEAL’s Designed to Order service may help. See how it works.
Related reading: high-withered horses, saddle bridging and a sore back.
If you have noticed white hairs or pressure marks, have your horse assessed, then start your saddle enquiry so we can review the fit.