I would guess you would have better luck in correct saddle fitting from a saddle maker/dealer. But here are some ideas to look into:

If you saddle is a square skirt, it maybe too long for his back and causing pressure at the edge of your pad. I just saw what you are describing this weekend with a friend riding an Arab with a square skirt saddle causing hair loss rub marks on both sides of the horses hip at the top.

Also make sure that you are riding balanced. Being that the spot is on one side might indicate that you may be sitting a little off putting more pressure under the bar of the saddle on his back.

Saddle fitting can be a huge pain for both horse and rider. Been there last year trying to fit a fox trotter. What would fit her, was uncomfortable for me and vice versa.

One more thing to think about is if your horse has gained or lost weight/muscle definition. This too can affect fit especially if you are riding a young horse.

Thanks all. I had to go with this saddle because he his short backed. The skirt is only 24 inches. I had ridden him for years in a big ole heavy roping saddle that was way too long and I did not know any better. Never had these spots with that saddle. Then I tried my old barrel saddle and it did not fit at all.

For this Tucker, the first pad that I used about 9 months was 1/2 inch thick wool felt. That is the one I changed because it had gotten a little crusty. The new pad has a a very soft fleece underside. Neither is stiff on top side and are about 28 inches long.

I can say that with the new saddle, the horse seems to be less inclined to "kick out" when going into a lope/canter. So, I feel like he is more comfortable or maybe he just got tired of being silly. In fact, since riding in the Tucker, he has not kicked out at all. Now sure as the world since I have said that, he will do it the next time I ride him.

Oh I digress...I appreciate all of your replies..I guess I will stick to the game plan of having my vet check saddle with me sitting in it. It could very well be my riding. This saddle is a little too big for me and I may be causing it by pushing back every so often to remain in the center of the seat. (I got the smallest seat size Tucker makes..too big for me but it seemed the saddle fit horse.) I will check the placement of the sting things too.. As for changing to an english..I do not ride well enough to sit an english saddle. I will keep you posted as to what the vet thinks will help. Thanks again.

This type of loin rubbing can also be caused by the saddle bridging or by being a bit too long. I demoed a Tucker and it caused loin rubbing on my horse so I passed on it. That is not to say Tucker's are bad only that that particular Tucker did not fit that particular horse. If the saddle is rubbing because of bridging, then it won't matter what pad you use under it. You may be able to shim it just enough to lift it off of the loins if you were to find that bridging is the cause. It's also possible for a saddle to fit the horse really well until he moves. Have your vet feel under the back of the saddle with the horse moving. He/She may be able to feel if it is too tight or perhaps something else. You probably sit a little crooked, as we all do, and that's why it shows up on one side after a shorter ride and both sides after a longer ride. You can make the seat a bit smaller by adding a seat saver. I even saw a product in a catalog that was designed to make the seat of a western saddle smaller. This would help you with your balance so you don't have to fight your saddle all of the time.

Good luck! I went treeless because I got tired of purchasing saddles all of the time. I still had some issues here and there when the horse changed but that was all fixed by changing the padding. 

I don't think the saddle is bridging...at least it is NOT while he is standing still. The saddle fits well while the horse is just standing there. I still need to have someone check it with me in it and the horse moving.

 I looked up that Won-pad...did not see one with the width needed as this saddle has a dropped rigging. The pad has to be at least 32 wide but not too long...sorta limits my options. Both pads I have tried have been specifically made for Tucker saddles. I have an old ESP pad that I used with the afore mentioned big ole heavy roping saddle. I guess I could try that pad but it will be awfully long on the horse as it is 34 X 36. (Again the fella is short backed.)

My saddle does have other rigging options..It can be rigged using the front dee(full rigging) or back dee (3/4 rigging)or use both dees for what I think is called 7/8 rigging? I am not sure what a center fire rigging means...can you give me a little detail? (Dee S.)

 I have been using the front dee for full rigging...do ya'll think it might help to try a different rigging position. I don't guess it would hurt to try the other positions. I do use a rear cinch too but fairly loose.

 Have not been able to put saddle on horse since first post as it has been raining raining and raining. (Not complaining as we still are way behind in our rain fall.)

Keep the suggestions coming. I really apprecaite your time and ideas.

Try using the 3/4 rigging for 5 or 6, 1 hour rides and see how that goes. The 3/4 rigging will move it forward, so be sure you still have adequate clearance at the scapula (shoulder).

If the saddle is too long for you, you could add a spacer or add a fleece or gel cushion, that will take up length in the seat.

Is this a gaited horse? If so, a TWH, Rocky, or MFT? (does it move laterally or diagonally is what I want to know).

Does the horse have a dipped back? YOu might need a contour tree so that it rests fully on the muscles on either side of the spine.

It sounds like the saddle is bridging front to back to me. If the horse had a bad saddle before, he/she will have lost top line muscling to carry a saddle and rider.

If you want another opinion, contact Julie Cyra at West 20 Tack in Wisconsin. She can look at photos of your horse and advise you. She carries more than 15 different brands of saddle - including Tucker - and has been doing saddle fitting for more than 25 years.

242-642-4272

http://www.west20.com/

lesliemal, I'm going to come from a different angle:

Have you tried working him in the saddle but without riding him?  (Saddle up and work in the round pen)  If so does the mark appear?

I'm thinking that your riding style might be causing the rub.  Could it be that you ride a little heavy on one hip/heel and that causes the saddle to shift and fit improperly?

If your horse rides head high that could hollow out his back and cause improper fit also.

Leslie

I am quite certain you are a fine rider;  anyone who notices things like you do is certainly doing a lot of things right.  In my ho it is not you, it is something in the way that saddle is made. 

Since it is raining, please turn that thing over and mash (press) with your fingers all under that saddle skirt. 

If you will get some baby powder, put it on the underneath of the saddle, then set the saddle on the horse, that may reveal the pressure points.  Then you can alter a felt pad to relieve the points.  JMHO.

Ditto what Rose said. If you are concerned - that says a great deal about your horsemanship.

I had a similar issue thru multiple saddles.  Finally after investing in my third saddle and being my third season with the same issue you describe, to my dismay my pal now has white hairs from the damage.  I was so upset.  I went back to were I bought the saddle to discuss this.  The dealer told me I was pulling my saddle to far forward on the whither's.  I thought he was NUTZ.  so we went home and tried his suggestion.  He said to stop placing the saddle were I thought it should go but center it from my center point in the saddle to my horses center point on his back.  Which turned out to be about two inches back than I had always placed the saddle.  Not a real big difference.  Well we are about ten rides in and the hair has not broken yet and.  I am satisfied with my adjustment.  Maybe this can help your situation out too.

As a side note, since I sent the Tucker saddle back and I was without a saddle, I borrowed an Original Bob Marsall treeless saddle from my cousin. Wow! I really liked and my horse moves out really well under it. I have decided I want one for sure.

Tell them to keep the Tucker and order a BMSS...LOL I love my treeless saddles. I had to part with my BMSS in order to purchase a Freeform but my friend LOVES the saddle. Good luck.