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Discussion on Saddle Sores & Saddle Fit
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Member:
Aewheele
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Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:37 pm:
I just purchased a Dressage saddle that fits my horse marvelously. I am finding though, that I am developing some saddle sores in my seat area
(I can be more specific if necessary  ). Do these sores imply that the saddle doesn't fit me properly, or I'm not positioned properly? Any suggestions on how to improve my situation?
Thanks.
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 4:04 pm:
Boy oh Boy can i identify with you about this... as my trainer said... hurts in the ''sweet spot ? '' I ended up getting a new custom saddle with more of a flat seat med twist.. also make sure your saddle is on the horse correctly.. not to far forward on his back, and have someone check your position in the saddle while riding.. seating the trot..
good luck.. i felt your pain...
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 5:28 pm:
Hi, Dede, if the sores are not directly under your seatbones but in a more sensitive area, it usually means that your back is hollow and your seat forked.
Try shortening your stirrups a hole or two, it should bring your weight back on your seatbones (a long leg comes with time, you can not just lengthen the stirrups and then stretch to catch them).
If the sores are two horrible bleeding spots under your seatbones, it means that you are rubbing in the saddle, most frequently seen at the canter. Try relaxing and following the movement with your back, not with your seat.
Use cycling shorts (extra padding) or pantyhose (less friction)under your pants to relieve your skin while you work it out.
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 6:03 pm:
I have also found that some breech seams really get in the way and the seamless variety work very well. I recommend the full seat breech from Devon Aire that has the Dev Tek moisture wicking material. They are wonderfully comfortable because they stay dry and are evenly fitted in all spots, and if your position is correct and your saddle fits properly they are great for schooling long hours.
They also have specially made underware with padding if you don't want a full bicycle short under your breeches. Check out dover saddlery.
If you have blisters Dede and still want to ride without compromising them or hurting as they heal I recommend NuSkin (in the band aide isle) a skin protectant for blisters that add an antiseptic protective barrier while the new skin heals.
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Member:
Horse4u
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Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 9:00 pm:
I am so glad I read this! I thought I was the only one with this problem. I am trying to sit more on my seat bones instead of my "missy". I ride western and I think with trying to get the "equitation" correct, I was compromising my comfort. I think my saddle could fit better too, but so far I am doing better. Thanks for the info on the NuSkin. I hope other ladies with this problem see this and offer their solutions whether it is saddle fit, equitation or something else. Panty hose work good too. I rode at a working ranch for a week with their saddle and they advised men and women to wear them. I spent all day everyday in the saddle with no problem. Hmmmm. Maybe I should try that here at home.
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 9:57 pm:
Christos is correct , but something else to think on.. some ladies have a flat pelvic floor others have a titled one.. so adjusting the hollow in ones back will sometimes but more pressure on that region, others it won't.. ..another helpful hint too , is to wear seamless underwear or wear them inside out.. and before you ride.. put on GLIDE its made for runners rubbing thighs, i found that helped while saddle shopping..
happy riding..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
Green007
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 9:35 am:
HOORAY! Christos is back! We have all missed you Christos.
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Member:
Aewheele
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 9:56 am:
WOW! Thanks for all the input. I love this site!
Interestingly, my new saddle has a medium twist as well. The Saddle maker insists that the medium twist is more comfortable for my horse. My last saddle, which fit me but not my horse, had a narrow twist. Anyway, I think it’s more important that my horse be comfortable because up until I got this saddle, he would not lift his back.
So I am going shopping this weekend for new underwear, and NuSkin. I've never seen GLIDE. Can I find that in the pharmacy? I would think Vaseline would do as well. Unfortunately, the pantyhose don't seem to work completely. I was wearing them when I started to get sore. Of course my problem could have been a lot worse without them.
Christos, I am giving myself another day off and will ride again tomorrow. I will pay special attention to my stirrup length and pelvic tilt. Thank you very much for the help with my position.
Thanks again ALL.
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 10:13 am:
I just wanted to claify...the NuSkin is a liquid barrier....you paint it on and it dries as skin...just didn't want any of you to be looking for mole skin or anything.
Also I got a giggle when I was just picturing the some big burly cowboy falling off his horse and them finding him in pantyhose in the ER. 
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 10:20 am:
That WOULD be a cause for some raised eyebrows, Corinne.
Dede, I would also have trouble riding in a medium twist saddle. If you are aiming for competition, then you probably can't use them, but what about a "tush cushion" or a sheepskin seat saver?
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Member:
Lorid
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 10:30 am:
Corinne, my husband is a firefighter/paramedic. The stories he has about things people do and end up in the E.R.! It's enough to keep in the back of my mind that old adage from mom to make sure you have clean undergarments on in case of a car accident! Remember that one? LOL. Whenever I am going to ride I make sure I shower, etc. before going to the barn.
Lori
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Member:
Aewheele
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 11:13 am:
I think I'm also going to splurge and buy a pair of full seat breeches. I think that will help until the weather gets really hot.
I don't usually shower before I ride, but I do wear clean underwear. Of course all bets are off after I ride. The underwear is invariably clean but I smell like horse. People love to be around me after I ride. I'm sure the ER folks would love me too.
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Member:
Wgillmor
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 12:10 pm:
Glide can be found at bicycle shops or on line (do a Froogle search).
I second Christos's recommendation of bicycle shorts. Get the less expensive ones that do not have a seam down the inside of the leg.
Wiley
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 1:32 pm:
Welcome back, Christos...we've all been wondering where you went.
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Member:
Shanson
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 3:51 pm:
This used to happen to me pretty frequently...a chafed seat makes showering quite an adventure. Ouch!
For me, I think it's not only the type and fit of riding breeches/jeans, but the fit and fabric of my...ahem...underwear. I used to wear 100% cotton, but have a lot less trouble since I switched to microfiber. Great stuff!
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Member:
Djws
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 3:59 pm:
Be VERY cautious of where you apply NuSkin. It burns and in a "delicate" area, well...I can't imagine. (Actually, I CAN imagine someone having to jump into a tub of cold water to put the fire out)! Seriously, NuSkin is a wonderful product but, I don't think you should apply it where I think we are talking about!
Also, plain old corn starch work wonders! Put corn starch on before you ride-it keeps the moisture away and use it after you shower. I found an old metal salt shaker with a handle and put the c/s in it so that I can use it like powder. My great-grandmother handed this tip down to me-it works great for diaper rash, galling, chafing, jock itch, etc.
Has anyone ever tried NOT wearing underwear under your breeches? (I wouldn't try going panty-free wearing jeans while riding-material is not as forgiving). The two layers hold in more moisture and at times I think the spots that get sore are where the seams of your underwear rub on the seams of the breeches and then, your "sweet spot/missy".
I've worked in the ER for many years and have seen LOTS of people come in without underwear so, don't worry about that! Most emergency personnel don't have time to even notice if someone's drawers are dirty. However, they will notice that you are a horse person and talk your legs off! Horses just bring out the best in people.
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Member:
Horse4u
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 4:16 pm:
For those of you who use the bicycle shorts, is there any way to keep them from showing through your jeans in the thigh area. I cut the elastic band and that helps, but it still shows some.
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 5:46 pm:
DJ...I guess anything that has antiseptic can burn....and I also wouldn't advocate it for really delicate skin but for blisters under seat bones or on ankles caused by tall boots it works like a charm.
Personally I use Liquid Bandaid on all non affected small wounds and blisters and even some areas of surgical incisions that were opening on the plantar surface of my foot two surgeries ago and it did not sting but it's expensive at $8.00 for 40 DrOps.
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 6:25 pm:
another good item for rubs is baby cream, Desitin.. It works great on the seat bones, and on hot humid days helps keep you dry.. errrrr..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
Vrich
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Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 10:21 pm:
I don't post often, but always follow the discussions. I just have to mention how great it is to have you back, Christos back and how insightful your comments always are. I aspire to being such an astute observer of all things equine! I'm a fan.
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