## Overview Saddle-induced atrophy is muscle wasting directly under the saddle from chronic pressure. It appears as hollows on either side of the withers. The saddle may slip or bridge, and the horse is sensitive when the withers are groomed. Removing the pressure and rebuilding muscle with correct work reverses much of the atrophy. ## Causes Chronic focal pressure from a poorly fitted saddle. ## Diagnosis Visual hollows and saddle-fit evaluation. ## Treatment Correct saddle fit and progressive conditioning to rebuild the wasted muscle. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good with time and correct work. ## Prevention Regular saddle fitting.
hollows on either side of the withers; visible muscle wasting in the saddle region; saddle slipping or bridging; sensitivity when grooming
## Overview Saddle-induced atrophy is muscle wasting directly under the saddle from chronic pressure. It appears as hollows on either side of the withers. The saddle may slip or bridge, and the horse is sensitive when the withers are groomed. Removing the pressure and rebuilding muscle with correct work reverses much of the atrophy. ## Causes Chronic focal pressure from a poorly fitted saddle. ## Diagnosis Visual hollows and saddle-fit evaluation. ## Treatment Correct saddle fit and progressive conditioning to rebuild the wasted muscle. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good with time and correct work. ## Prevention Regular saddle fitting.
hollows on either side of the withers; visible muscle wasting in the saddle region; saddle slipping or bridging; sensitivity when grooming