White Hairs From Poor Fitting Saddle?

I bought a western saddle that I thought fit good. But today I noticed that there are actually faint white marks on his back in the shape of a saddes tree (not just little white marks, but a full shape of a tree). The thing is, i've only had this saddle on the horse about 3 times, at the longest, 2 hours. Can this happen from just a few rides? I have a english saddle too but I bought this with the horse and its fit just fine. Any idea?

Is the hair growing out white like there is damage to the hair follicle? If so, do not use that saddle again. It is harsh and only by the good graces of that horse, you were not bounced off. The saddle has an ill fit in some manner.

In order for white hairs to happen there has to be inflammation present which would kill the melanocytes that produce pigment in the hair and thus it grows back white.

I don't think it would happen after a few rides.

I wish you could post a picture.

You answered your own question. It doesn't fit, it is making marks on your horse keep it off and use the english.

Get another saddle. If you go to www.aboutthehorse.com you will find some good instructions for measuring saddles for a proper tree fit. Dave Genedek makes a really good, well designed tree. Your other alternative is more padding or a CorrecTor Pad.
www.thecorrector.net You might want to try the CorrecTor Pad before you spend the money on the new saddle. Custom saddles are expensive.

Happy Trails
HorseFeatherZ