As equestrian enthusiasts, we strive to provide the best care for our horses, ensuring their comfort, health, and performance. One often-overlooked aspect of equine care is the regular assessment of saddle fit.
As a Professional Saddle Fitter, I want to highlight the importance of biannual saddle checks from both a scientific and veterinary perspective.
The Dynamic Equine Physiology
Muscle Development and Atrophy
Horses, like all athletes, undergo continuous physiological changes. Muscle development and atrophy significantly impact saddle fit. During training, a horse's musculature can change dramatically, especially in the back and shoulder regions where the saddle rests.
Muscle Hypertrophy: As horses engage in consistent exercise and training, their muscles, particularly the longissimus dorsi and the muscles of the shoulder girdle, can hypertrophy. This increase in muscle mass alters the contours of the horse's back, necessitating adjustments in saddle fit.
Muscle Atrophy: Conversely, periods of reduced activity due to injury, illness, or changes in workload can lead to muscle atrophy. Muscle loss can cause the saddle to sit unevenly or press too heavily in certain areas, leading to discomfort and potential injury.
Weight Fluctuations
Horses' weight can fluctuate due to changes in diet, season, and exercise intensity. Weight gain or loss affects the fit of the saddle, as the saddle must conform to the horse's current body condition.
Seasonal Changes: Many horses gain weight during lush grazing seasons and lose weight in winter months. Regular saddle checks can accommodate these changes, ensuring consistent comfort.
Diet and Exercise: Changes in diet and exercise routines directly influence a horse's weight and muscle mass, impacting how the saddle fits and distributes pressure.
Saddle Integrity and Wear
Leather Degradation
Leather, a natural material commonly used in saddles, is subject to wear and tear.
Stretching and Deformation: Leather stretches with use and can become misshapen, impacting how the saddle fits the horse. Regular checks can identify these changes early.
Cracking and Drying: Exposure to sweat, weather conditions, and improper maintenance can cause leather to crack and dry out. This not only affects fit but also the saddle's overall integrity and safety.
Tree and Structural Integrity
The tree is the central framework of the saddle, typically made from wood, fibreglass, or synthetic materials.
Warping and Damage: Over time, the tree can warp or sustain damage from regular use, falls, or accidents. A compromised tree can cause uneven pressure distribution, leading to discomfort and potential injury.
Flocking Material: The flocking (padding) inside the saddle panels can compress or shift, altering the fit and causing pressure points. Regular assessments and reflocking can maintain an even and comfortable fit.
Health Implications of Poor Saddle Fit
Pressure Points and Sores
An ill-fitting saddle can create pressure points, leading to sores and ulcers.
Localised Pressure: Areas where the saddle presses unevenly can cause localised pressure, leading to pain and tissue damage. Regular checks help identify and correct these issues before they become severe.
Saddle Sores: Persistent pressure points can lead to the development of saddle sores, which are painful and can become infected if not treated promptly.
Musculoskeletal Issues
A poorly fitting saddle can lead to long-term musculoskeletal problems for the horse.
Back Pain: Uneven pressure and ill-fitting saddles can cause chronic back pain. This pain can manifest as behavioural issues, reluctance to perform, or even lameness.
Spinal Misalignment: Consistent use of an ill-fitting saddle can contribute to spinal misalignment and long-term musculoskeletal damage. Regular checks ensure the saddle supports the horse's natural movement and alignment.
Enhancing Rider Safety and Performance
Balance and Stability
For the rider, a well-fitted saddle is crucial for maintaining balance and stability.
Optimal Positioning: A correctly fitted saddle positions the rider optimally, enhancing balance and reducing the risk of falls or injuries.
Effective Aids: A good fit allows the rider to use aids more effectively, improving communication with the horse and overall performance.
Preventing Rider Injuries
An improperly fitted saddle can also pose risks to the rider.
Joint Strain: Poor saddle fit can force the rider into an unnatural position, causing strain on joints and muscles.
Safety Concerns: A saddle that shifts or does not sit properly can cause instability, increasing the risk of accidents.
Addressing Behavioural Issues
Signs of Discomfort
Horses communicate discomfort in various ways, and a poor saddle fit is a common source of behavioural problems.
Resistance to Saddling: Horses may become resistant to being saddled if they associate the process with pain. This resistance can manifest as biting, kicking, or moving away.
Performance Issues: Discomfort from an ill-fitting saddle can cause a horse to refuse certain tasks, show reluctance to move forward, or exhibit uncharacteristic behaviour.
Enhancing Horse-Rider Harmony
A well-fitted saddle enhances the harmony between horse and rider, improving overall performance and well-being.
Comfort and Trust: When a saddle fits well, the horse is more comfortable, leading to better performance and a stronger bond of trust with the rider.
Behavioural Improvement: Addressing saddle fit issues can lead to noticeable improvements in the horse's behaviour and willingness to work.
Conclusion
Regular biannual saddle checks are essential for maintaining the health, comfort, and performance of both horse and rider. By addressing the dynamic physiological changes in horses, monitoring saddle wear and tear, preventing health issues, enhancing rider safety, and improving behavioural outcomes, these checks play a crucial role in equine care.
We are committed to ensuring comfort and performance through correct saddle fitting and we respect the studies made on biannual saddle checks for animal welfare. Be sure to visit The British Horse Society's blog on this standardisation, along with the article made by The Veterinary Journal.
As a Qualified Saddle Fitter in Ireland, I emphasize the importance of these regular assessments to ensure a harmonious and successful equestrian partnership.
If you would like more information or to book an appointment, please don't hesitate to get in touch with The Saddle Fitting Therapist.
Hannah,
The Saddle Fitting Therapist
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