Relationship between saddle pressure measurements and clinical signs of saddle soreness at the withers

Abstract

SummaryReasons for performing the study: Similar to human decubitus ulcers, local high pressure points from ill-fitting saddles induce perfusion disturbances of different degrees resulting in tissue hypoxia and alteration in sweat production. Objective: To relate the different clinical manifestations of saddle sores to the magnitude of saddle pressures at the location of the withers. Methods: Sixteen horses with dry spots after exercise (Group A)and 7 cases presented with acute clinical signs of saddle pressure in the withers area (Group B) were compared with a control group of 16 sound horses with well fitting saddles (Group C). All horses underwent a saddle pressure measurement at walk, trot and canter. Mean and maximal pressures in the area of interest were compared between groups within each gait. Results: Mean pressures differed significantly between groups in all 3 gaits. Maximal pressure differed between groups at trot; at walk and canter, however, the only significant difference was between Group C and Groups A and B, respectively, (P>0.05). Mean and maximal pressures at walk in Group A were 15.3 and 30.6 kPa, in Group B 24.0 and 38.9 kPa and in Group C 7.8 and 13.4 kPa, respectively; at trot in Group A 18.1 and 43.4 kPa, in Group B 29.7 and 53.3 kPa and in Group C 9.8 and 21.0 kPa, respectively; and at canter in Group A 21.4 and 48.9 kPa, in Group B 28.6 and 56.0 kPa and in Group C 10.9 and 24.7 kPa, respectively. Conclusion: The study shows that there is a distinguishable difference between the 3 groups regarding the mean pressure value, in all gaits.

Postural changes and their effects in elite riders when actively influencing the horse versus sitting passively at trot

“…Relative to pelvic rotations, trunk rotations are slightly delayed and head rotations are out-of-phase. Changes in rider kinematics were associated with a small increase in ROM of the COF on the horse's back and a large decrease in the loaded area of the horse's back indicating higher pressures when ridden in collection thus increasing the risk of pressure-induced lesions of the withers or shoulders (Von Peinen et al, 2010).…”

“…During ridden exercise, the rider's weight applies substantial forces to the horse's back (Fruehwirth et al, 2004) that play a role in the aetiology of equine back pain (Von Peinen et al, 2010), which is common in athletic horses (Haussler, 1999;Jeffcott, 1980;Townsend et al, 1986). Sport horse veterinarians are increasingly called upon to evaluate horses under saddle and to pass judgement on saddle fit and rider effects.…”

Fibrosarcoma in the saddle area in a dressage horse

“…Haematoxylin & Eosin stain. such as an ill-fitting saddle, or a unique traumatism, such as a kick or bite, might cause a pathological swelling in the saddle region (Harman 1999, Von Peinen et al 2010). Other causes might be foreign bodies, such as wood or metals, e.g.…”

Preliminary field study on saddle pressure distribution in horses without back pain

“…Judging saddle fit is most often performed subjectively and with the horse at rest (von Peinen 2006). Use of a saddle pressure measurement device allows objective assessment of pressures and their distribution under the saddle, during ridden exercise (Harman 1994, Werner et al 2002, Nyikos et al 2005.…”