Saddle sore is a painful condition caused by friction or pressure from the saddle, commonly affecting the horse's back.

Saddle Sore in Horses

Alt. Names: Saddle Galls, Saddle Sores, Saddle Rash, Saddle Injuries

Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment.

Definition of Saddle Sore in Horses

Saddle sores in horses are painful, inflamed areas on the skin resulting from friction, pressure, or an ill-fitting saddle.
These sores commonly develop under the saddle, particularly on the withers, back, and girth area, where the saddle or tack rubs against the skin. A horse with saddle sores may exhibit signs of discomfort or reluctance to be saddled and ridden.

Symptoms of Saddle Sore in Horses

  • Skin Lesions
  • Reddened Skin
  • Oozing Skin
  • Crusted Skin
  • Sore Back
  • Swollen
  • Hot
  • Dry Spots
  • Irritability
  • Fur Loss
  • Reduced Performance

Treatment of Saddle Sore in Horses

Topical Creams can soothe irritated and inflamed skin. In severe cases, a veterinarian might prescribe pain relievers.

A horse with saddle sores should not be ridden until is fully healed.

Prevention of Saddle Sore in Horses

Have a saddlemaker visit you twice a year to fit the saddle to your horse’s current body.
If your horse has fast and drastic body changes, more regular visits are recommended.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

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