How to Treat Saddle Sores from Horse Riding?

It is normal for riders to develop saddle sores. It is almost inevitable to experience discomfort in the intimate area if you are riding for a short or long period. In this article, I will teach you how to prevent and how to treat saddle sores from horse riding?

How to treat saddle sores from horse riding? Best Treatment

Treatment

Taking a break from riding is the best treatment for saddle sores. Equestrians tend to be hard-pressed to take time off but knowing when to rest allows you to avoid taking an extended break from riding. This is the most important part of learning how to treat saddle sores from horse riding.

If you keep applying pressure or friction, your sore will only become worse, but if you rest, your body will heal itself. Depending on the type of saddle sore, there are treatments you can apply as directed by the manufacturer to help you heal quicker. Pain relief lotions are on the market, but some lotions are specifically designed for chafing and abrasions.

As a result of their antibacterial properties, these creams can be highly beneficial. As a result, you will be able to avoid any irritation you may experience. Sweaty and irritated skin responds well to anti-friction creams. Simply apply the cream to the areas of skin that rub against the saddle. The market is flooded with creams that can address specific issues.

You can use tree oil as a natural treatment. Besides working as, a natural antiseptic, tea tree oil also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Clean the affected area and apply some tea tree oil using a cotton swab. If this treatment irritates your skin, follow up with Vaseline.

Prevention

Ever doubted how professional riders control to put in hours daily without increasing saddle sores? Fine, the answer is that they do, as well, sometimes. However, professionals get fewer saddle sores as they are fitter and extra-balanced riders. They remain stiller in the tack, reducing friction.

One more reason why the pros don’t hurt as much is as they use suitable equipment. A good-fitting saddle will keep you immobile and is more relaxed to sit in, avoiding both pressure as well as friction. Suitable clothing is also very significant. Bicycle shorts below your pants can support; however, well-fitting, excellent breeches are frequently comfortable on their own.

How to Prevent Saddle Sores from Horse Riding?

In addition to learning how to treat saddle sores from horse riding, you should also know how to prevent saddle sores from horse riding.

1. Position yourself better

when you ride, Saddle injuries are strongly impacted by the rider’s position, so the first thing to do is get into the right position. Ensure that your stirrups fit you correctly. Put your feet out of the stirrup irons while seated in the saddle to determine the stirrup length. Allow your feet to bump against the stirrups as you relax your leg.

You should be able to feel your ankle bone when the stirrup bar is at the bottom. Before mounting, stand next to the horse to ensure that you have the correct length. Feel for the stirrup safety bar beneath your saddle flap using your fingertips.

Holding the stirrup leather taut with your other hand, bring it into contact with your outstretched arm. The stirrup bar should rub against your armpit if it is the correct length.

2. Choose a Suitable Saddle

Choose a saddle that fits your body once you have the right position and stirrup length. Different saddles have different types of padding, curves, and wide ones that are designed to minimize pressure. It is generally recommended that saddles come with wide shoulders, padding, and a flatter top, so they provide maximum support.

If a dressage saddle has a high-top portion, which is the case with some saddles, friction, pressure, and impact will be felt even more in the genital area.

3. Saddle Fit

It is unbearable for both horses and riders to wear a saddle that is poorly fitted! To eliminate this problem, it may be helpful to have a saddle fit check performed.

4. A bareback ride

When riding without a saddle, you can check if your saddle is the problem. In addition to helping heal saddle sores, bareback riding can improve balance.

5. Clothing

Most of the time, the best way to eliminate chafing is simple: Use gear designed for riding. The quality of your riding gear will dictate how you feel. A well-known brand’s riding pants are worth the investment if you’re interested in trying this option.

6. Breeches with full seat

It is possible to eliminate the problem by adding friction. The inner thighs, inner crotch, and inner knees of the full seat breeches are covered in suede. Even though the riding pants are strange at first, they allow the rider to grip the saddle better and prevent saddle sores.

7. Underwear should be padded

Pressure will be distributed evenly between the seat and the skin if you wear padded underwear. As a result of reducing the pressure, a wound does not form due to chafing. Especially in athletic positions, padded underwear is essential. Underwear with flat seams is also important because certain garments cause injuries due to their seams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you heal saddle sores fast?

When the skin isn’t constantly irritated, it can heal quickly. To avoid infection or further irritation, you need to keep the affected skin parts clean and dry. A topical ointment can moisten irritated and inflamed skin, unlike creams which alleviate the symptoms.

Q: How long does it take for saddle sores to go away?

If caught early, these sores will generally heal in a few days, but deeper sores will usually require a few weeks. If you notice you experience frequent flare-ups, fevers, or red streaks, call your doctor immediately.

Q: What do saddle sores feel like?

Often, they look like hard, painful lumps, cysts filled with fluid, or even little abrasions like friction burns. A saddle sore resembles an inflamed hair follicle in its most common form. There is no exact science to prevent or treat them since they can appear in a variety of ways.

Conclusion

This is how to treat saddle sores from horse riding. But there are also preventative measures you can take. You are likely to develop saddle sores again if you do not take care of these preventive measures.