Saddle Fit and Soft Tissue: What No One Told You
Excerpt: Chronic soreness. Mysterious behavior changes. Refusal to move out. If you’ve ever wondered why your horse “just doesn’t feel right,” it might start with the saddle. Let’s talk about how fit affects inflammation—and what you can do about it.
It’s Not Just About Pressure—It’s About Inflammation
A poor-fitting saddle doesn’t just cause rubs or white hairs—it creates microtrauma deep in the muscles and fascia. Over time, this builds up into chronic inflammation, restricted movement, and even nerve sensitivity. It can affect topline development, stride length, and your horse’s willingness to move forward.
Key Signs Your Saddle May Be to Blame
- Sensitive or flinching back during grooming
- Poor topline or dropped back appearance
- Swishing tail during transitions
- One-sided movement or lack of bend
- Bucking, rearing, or refusing to stand at the mounting block
If any of these feel familiar, don’t blame your horse first. Evaluate the tack.
Tips for Prevention
- Use a qualified saddle fitter at least annually
- Check for dry spots or asymmetry after every ride
- Use supportive, properly placed pads—not just thicker ones
- Give rest days between hard rides to reduce compounding inflammation
Products That Help Support Tissue Recovery
- Apply Draw It Out® RTU Spray across the back and shoulders post-ride
- Use Draw It Out® 16oz Gel on specific sore spots and trigger points
- Use MasterMudd™ EquiBrace™ for deeper muscle support in severe cases
Final Thoughts: Fit Before Fix
Horses don’t fake soreness. If the saddle is wrong, no amount of conditioning or training will fix it. Real riders start by removing the cause—then help the horse recover the right way.
