Horse Saddle Soreness | Signs, Causes, and Rider-Safe Fixes

Horse Saddle Soreness | Signs, Causes, and Rider Safe Fixes
Back Comfort And Saddle Fit

Horse Saddle Soreness. How To Spot It And What To Do Next

A horse that pins its ears when you saddle, hollows away from your leg, or feels tight and short strided is not being dramatic. Most of the time they are trying to tell you the saddle or the way the back feels under it is not right. This guide gives you clear rider checks and calm next steps so you can help your horse feel better and move with confidence again.

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Early Signals

Common Signs That Point To Saddle Soreness

Saddle soreness rarely shows up as one big dramatic moment at first. It usually starts as small changes in how your horse stands, moves, or reacts during your normal routine.

  • Pinning ears or swishing tail when the saddle pad comes out.
  • Stepping away or dancing when you tighten the girth.
  • Hollowing the back or raising the head when you mount.
  • Shorter strides in front or behind with no obvious limp.
  • New resistance to bending, collection, or transitions.
  • Noticeable change in attitude about being caught or ridden.
One sign does not prove saddle soreness, but a cluster of them around saddling, mounting, and early work is worth taking seriously.
Why It Happens

Common Causes Of Saddle Soreness

Saddle discomfort sometimes comes from the saddle itself. Sometimes it comes from the back under it. Often it is both.

  • Saddle that is too narrow or too wide at the withers.
  • Bridging saddles that touch at front and back but leave a gap in the middle.
  • Pads that create pressure points or trap too much heat.
  • Asymmetry in the horse from old injuries or muscle imbalance.
  • Workload changes that outpace back strength and recovery.

Tack fit matters, but the health and comfort of the back itself is just as important.

Real Rider Routine

A Simple 3 Step Plan When You Suspect Saddle Soreness

This does not replace a vet or saddle fitter. It does give you a calm place to start when you feel something is not right.

Step 1

Lighten The Work

Drop intense schooling sessions and focus on easier days while you sort out what is going on. Walk, gentle stretching, and turnout over force.

Step 2

Get Experienced Eyes On The Saddle

Ask a trusted fitter or trainer to watch your horse move with and without the saddle. Check balance, clearance, and even contact under the panels.

Step 3

Support The Back While It Recovers

Use comfort focused routines along the topline, loins, and girth line as part of your daily program. Small steps repeated often help backs bounce back better.

Relates to your horse. When your horse’s back feels better, every part of your ride feels better. Comfort is not a luxury. It is the base layer of performance and trust.
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Where Our Products Fit

How Riders Use Draw It Out® Around Saddle Soreness

Draw It Out® does not fix saddle fit or replace rest. It gives riders a gentle, naturally derived way to support soft tissue comfort while they address the root cause of the soreness.

  • Using the 16 ounce Gel along the back and loins before and after work to support comfort in hardworking toplines.
  • Choosing Thermagel™ on cold days for a warming style routine over a tight back that needs help loosening up.
  • Using MasterMudd™ EquiBrace in targeted areas that need deeper soft tissue attention as directed.

Always work with your veterinarian and saddle fitter. Topical support and smart fit work together to give your horse every possible advantage.

Horse Saddle Soreness FAQ

How do I know if my horse is sore from the saddle

Look for girthiness, ear pinning, hollowing away from the saddle, shortened strides, and flinching when you run your hand along the back or loins. Changes that appear mainly around saddling and early work are strong clues.

Can a saddle that used to fit start causing soreness

Yes. Weight changes, muscle development, age, and training can all change how a saddle sits. A good fit should be checked regularly, not just once.

When should I call the vet about saddle soreness

Call your veterinarian if your horse shows persistent back pain, obvious lameness, reluctance to move forward, or behavior changes that do not improve with simple adjustments.

Can liniment fix a poorly fitting saddle

No. Liniment supports comfort but cannot correct pressure points or structural problems. Fit must be addressed first, then comfort support can help the body recover.

How does Draw It Out® help with saddle soreness

Draw It Out® products are used by riders to support comfort and recovery in the back and surrounding soft tissue as part of a complete plan that includes proper fit, appropriate workload, and veterinary guidance.

This page is for education and is not a substitute for veterinary care or professional saddle fitting. If your horse shows ongoing pain or sudden changes in behavior under saddle, reach out to your veterinarian and a qualified fitter.