How Do You Restore Hair Pigment On A Horses Withers?
Have you ever seen white hairs on a horse’s withers? When pressure is applied anywhere on the body, it cuts off circulation to the hair follicle. If the pressure is applied for too long a period of time, the follicle can become damaged, lose its pigment and grow in white. If the damage is severe, the follicle may be damaged forever. However, there are ways to reverse more moderate damage and return the hair to its normal color. Find the source of the problem. Usually the saddle is the culprit, but a bareback rider also can cause pressure damage, as can an improperly placed saddle pad or ill-fitting blanket. Check all your equipment to find what is rubbing your horse. Eliminate the problem. If the hair is white on the top of the withers, you may not be pulling your saddle pad up into the gullet of your saddle properly. Make sure there is plenty of air between the top of the wither and the saddle pad by pulling straight up on your pad before tightening your girth. If there is no room to
