23/01/2026
Can you spot the red flag in this photo?
Its something simple that can easily be over looked, a saddle pad rub, sounds simple right? and whilst sometimes it can be completely innocent and easily fixed it can sometimes be signs of imbalance and restriction.
Saddle pad rubs show that there is excess friction or uneven pressure this can be a sign of poor saddle fit, pad issues (too short or rough seams) rider imbalance, muscularskeletal issues within your horse such as asymmetry or lameness.
What to do if you notice a rub, check your saddle pad make sure its the correct length, not getting bunch up under the saddle and that the seams ae not rough.
Check your saddle fit, we know that horses can change shape quickly so its important to stay on top of saddle checks.
Check the rider, this is often overlooked but a rider with asymmetrys can greatly influence how our horses move. If rider asymmetry is an issue then working on this out of the saddle is super important.
And finally consider your horse, speak to your bodyworker or vet. Horses compensate so quickly that we often dont realise theres an issue until its too late. Regular bodywork is crutial to ensuring our horses muscularskeletal health.
That simple rub can hide a multiude of sins, so its always worth checking out before dismissing it as a simple rub.
Lisa xx