Soar back

My boyfriends horse has odd shaped withers. The saddle we were using doesnt fit...just noticed (feel really bad ) it is pinching his withers and making him soar and swollen. We have been riding bare back for about a month. The swelling has gone down but he is still soar. None of the saddles in the barn fit him. His spine stands out and his withers are just boney and wierd. Any help. I attached a picture. But its hard to see what I mean. Thanks

I think the horse could use just a few more pounds and some more muscle tone before you go saddle shopping again. His spine shouldn't protrude. I am having a similar issue with my OTStbd.

Yea, we have been trying to keep weight on him...the herd is not to friendly (bit marks) and bully him away from the feed. He also doesnt know how to lunge adn im not sure on how to teach a horse to do that

I don't lunge my horses at all. I have no use for it. But, then again, I don't expect a whole lot from my horses: I don't show, I don't expect perfect transitions, lead changes, etc. etc. If you don't have an express purpose for lungeing, I wouldn't bother with it.

Yea I see what y ou mean. Is there any other major way to gain muscle without being on him? I know walking him with a purpose... but any other ideas

I don't see why you can't continue to ride bareback, or get a bareback pad/saddle if you like. If you search this forum for "topline" you will probably find some ideas.

Ok thanks for your help