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Saddle fit and the interaction between horse and rider has always been of great interest to me.   I used to go through phases of changing my branding of saddles and trying different makes and models, to find the best fit.   Until recently I never truly considered the actual importance of saddle fit to both horse and rider.   We are all aware that our saddle should fit-but do we actually understand the implications of incorrect or poor fitting saddles?   As part of my continuing professional development, I have embarked on a Holistic Saddle fitting accredited course.   This works perfectly alongside McTimoney as the approach is holistic and the horses comfort is paramount, along with the rider.

So, what happens if your saddle is too narrow or has recessed stirrup bars?

The saddle sits along the Latissimus Dorsi, the insertion point for this muscle is the Humerus.   Any impingement in the Latissimus Dorsi muscle will in fact have a direct impact on the extension of the forelimbs, as any pain or discomfort will reduce the full range of movement.   If the forelimb has a decreased range of movement then this means that the hind limbs will compensate and must reduce their stride length, to avoid contact with the forelimb.   So, with reduced movement of both fore and hind limbs, the back will hollow rather than round.   This will cause the abdominal muscles to slacken and further weaken the Latissimus Dorsi and the deep muscles, such as the Longissimus.   If the back is hollow, the neck muscles cannot be round, and the horse will struggle to work into a outline.   Working this way will cause a weakened topline, affecting the Rhomboids, Splenius and Trapezius.   The Brachiocephalic will become over developed due to the horse working incorrectly and pulling itself forward with the front limb instead of pushing from the hind limb.   The gluteals, will become weakened as the Hindquarter muscles have a reduction in power, resulting in the semimembranosus/tendinosus and Biceps Femoris to become over developed.   This is not an exhaustive list of the muscles that become affected but it gives a general understanding of what is happening to the musculature of the horse.

 

A saddle that is too wide, will likely sit onto the vertebral processes, which, is painful and causes dysfunction to the back muscles.   The panel of the saddle and consequently the riders weight will be carried lower down-on the heads of the ribs, and not supported by the back muscles- causing further discomfort.   The back muscles will be unable to function correctly because of this –creating a vicious circle of dysfunction and muscle wasting.   Hair loss and rub marks will eventually appear, this will be replaced with white hairs over time.  It has been documented that a wider saddle is more damaging than a narrower saddle.

Many other saddle fitting issues affect horses negatively.   A seat that is too long will sit on the lumbar vertebra, this is not an area strong enough to weight bear.   Asymmetrically placed knee and thigh rolls, will affect the positioning of the rider, therefore causing asymmetrical loading on to the horses back.   An asymmetrical rider alone will cause the horse to compensate as far as its locomotory pattern is concerned, in order to balance an uneven load.

What research has the McTimoney Animal Association been undertaking?

There has been an increase in studies between McTimoney and saddle pressures.   One of the studies conducted by Crsboy Jones et al (2015) investigated the effects of McTimoney Chiropractic treatment and the mean pressure measurements beneath the saddle.   Results showed that McTimoney treatment significantly reduced the pressure beneath the saddle for up to a day after treatment.   This poses the question – Should horses be treated prior to saddle fitting?  If the back is in better condition, and more comfortable, can we get a better saddle fit?

Another study conducted by Browne et al (2014) highlighted the link between pelvic asymmetry between horses and riders.   This again has saddle fitting implications.   We know that an asymmetrical rider will over time cause the saddle panels to become unbalanced.   Usually affecting the flocking as it becomes compressed  and the tree as it twists from the uneven pressures.   Rowe et al (2017) also investigated the difference between asymmetrical loading of the stirrups.   This is significant as stirrup bars can be un-level, leathers can stretch and asymmetrical loading from the rider.   Stirrup leathers tend to stretch over time, particularly the left side as this is the side riders mount.   This will cause more weight being loaded onto one stirrup due to the difference in length, and s feeding into a perhaps already asymmetrical rider.

In conclusion regular back and saddle checks, ideally at least twice yearly are advisable.   Problems can be identified and addressed early on, to avoid musculoskeletal conditions developing and causing pain and dysfunction.

If you would like to read` the full articles then follow the links below, there is also an interesting research article on ridden Elephants!

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