The effects of rider size and saddle fit for horse and rider on forces and pressure distribution under saddles: A pilot study

Abstract

There is limited scientific evidence concerning the effect of rider weight on pressures under the saddle and equine performance. The objective of this prospective, crossover, randomised trial was to assess pressure distribution and magnitude in horses ridden by four riders of similar ability but differing in bodyweight and height. Six horses in regular work were ridden by four riders (rider bodyweight: horse body weight percentage > 10 ≤ 12and > 20 [VH = Very Heavy]), performing a purpose-designed dressage test (30 min). The test was abandoned for ≥ grade 3/8 lameness or ≥ 10 behavioural markers (assessed in real-time). A calibrated force mat (Pliance) was used to record pressures under the saddle in walk, trot and canter on left and right reins. Rider position was assessed. All 13 H and VH tests and one of 12 M rider tests were abandoned (lameness, n = 12; behaviour, n = 1). At walk, the seat of rider VH extended beyond the cantle of the saddle; rider H sat on the cantle of the saddle. At trot and canter the heels of rider VH were consistently cranial to the tubera coxae and shoulders. Pressures were significantly higher under the caudal aspect of the saddle compared with cranially for rider VH in walk (P<0.05, ANOVA, Bonferroni). At rising trot pressures were higher cranially for riders L, M and H (P<0.05, ANOVA, Bonferroni), but were similar cranially and caudally for rider VH. The highest maximum peak pressure was recorded for rider VH in canter. A limitation was that speed can alter pressure measurements, but was not controlled or recorded. We concluded that there were differences in magnitude and distribution of pressures among the four riders according to their size, which may have contributed to the development of musculoskeletal pain. This may also have been influenced by saddle fit for riders and their positions.

Gait abnormalities and ridden horse behaviour in a convenience sample of the United Kingdom ridden sports horse and leisure horse population

“…Sitting on the back of the saddle will potentially increase forces transmitted through the caudal half of the saddle (Roost et al . 2020), an effect which could be potentially compounded if the rider is out of balance (54% of riders in the current study), the saddle seat tips backwards (21% of saddles in the current study), or if the saddle moves excessively during ridden exercise (dorsoventral 53%, side to side 58%, saddle slip 45%, in the current study). However, we did not assess left‐right asymmetry of the rider in the current study, which can also have a major impact on force distribution under the saddle (Gunst et al .…”

“…2020; Roost et al . 2020). There has been considerable debate about the use, design and fit of nosebands, the possible discomfort imposed by nosebands and the relationship between mouth opening and nosebands (Fenner et al .…”

Application of a Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram and Its Relationship with Gait in a Convenience Sample of 60 Riding Horses

“…Veterinarians, after appropriate training, were able to predict the presence of musculoskeletal pain by application of the RHpE [ 8 ]. Other factors which may potentially influence the results of applying the RHpE include an ill-fitting saddle [ 9 ], rider size (influenced by height, weight and saddle fit for the rider) [ 10 , 11 , 12 ] and rider skill [ 13 ].…”

Evaluating the suitability of an English saddle for a horse and rider combination

“…If the lowest point of the seat of the saddle is not central, this adversely influences the rider's position and balance, their weight distribution and the resultant pressures (Roost et al . ). The seat should appear level and balanced.…”

“…Any item fitted under the saddle must be large enough to extend beyond the weightbearing area of the saddle panel in order to avoid a ridge of high pressure being caused by edges or seams (Roost et al . ). The spine of the saddle cloth should approximately follow the same curve as that of the tree in order to maintain its position in the gullet and avoid slipping down onto the dorsal midline.…”