Jumpy Horse?
Do you find your horse exceptionally jumpy? Or acting like something is bothering him but you can’t figure out why? He was fine before you put the saddle on… It could be salt.
Horses sweat, which leaves salt crystals on the skin. These crystals can accumulate in your saddle blanket and cinches. So every time any of the equipment moves against their skin, the horse feels as if their skin is being rubbed with a heavy grit sand paper. Can you blame them for being jumpy?!
You can do some routine care to avoid this problem. Wash, or at least rinse out, your cinches and saddle blankets on a regular basis. And always make sure they are dry before using them again or the problem could get even worse.
In addition to washing out your gear, you should bathe and condition your horse after riding or working. This not only cleans the salt off, it also adds back the oils that are protecting the skin. By doing this, you create a healthy barrier so the skin is not as vulnerable to dryness, allergens, and environmental toxins.
Signs Salt Build-Up Is Irritating Your Horse
- Flinching, tail swishing or stomping when tacked up or cinched
- Fidgeting under saddle that disappears without tack
- White, crusty residue on the coat, saddle pad or girth after work
- Dull, dry or rough hair under the saddle and girth area
- Rubbed or sore patches where tack contacts the skin
A Post-Ride Routine to Prevent Salt Irritation
- Rinse or bathe after work. Remove salt from the coat and skin, paying attention to the saddle, girth and bridle areas.
- Use a mild shampoo when needed, diluted about 1 part product to 3 parts water.
- Condition to restore oils. Conditioning puts back the protective oils that sweat and washing remove, creating a barrier against dryness, allergens and environmental toxins.
- Clean your tack. Wash or at least rinse saddle blankets, pads and cinches regularly.
- Dry everything. Make sure pads and cinches are completely dry before using them again, or the problem can get worse.
Other Causes of a Jumpy or Sensitive Horse
Salt is a common and easy-to-miss cause, but it is not the only one. If the behavior continues after you clean the skin and tack, have your veterinarian or a qualified saddle fitter check for poor saddle fit, back pain, skin conditions, insect bites or other medical issues.
Learn more about how horse skin differs from dog skin and caring for a horse’s coat, and shop our horse maintenance bathing products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my horse jumpy when I put the saddle on?
One common cause is salt crystals from dried sweat on the skin and in the saddle pad and cinch, which rub like sandpaper. Saddle fit, back pain and skin problems can also cause it.
How often should I wash my saddle pad and cinch?
Wash or at least rinse them regularly, especially after sweaty rides, and always let them dry completely before using them again.
Should I bathe my horse after every ride?
Rinsing or bathing after work removes drying salt from the skin. Following with a conditioner restores the protective oils that sweat and washing remove.