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

Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to 150 Horses with Musculoskeletal Pain before and after Diagnostic Anaesthesia

The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was developed to facilitate the recognition of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to document changes in RHpE scores before and after diagnostic anaesthesia was performed to alleviate pain ± when the saddle was changed. One hundred and fifty horses underwent ridden exercise as part of an investigation of poor performance. The RHpE was applied before and after the interventions. Fifty-two (34.7%) horses exhibited a bilaterally symmetrical short step length and/or restricted hindlimb impulsion and engagement. Fifty-three (35.3%) horses had episodic lameness; only forty-five (30.0%) horses were continuously lame. The median maximum lameness grade when ridden was 2/8 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0-3; range: 0-4). Fifty-six (37.3%) horses had an ill-fitting saddle, which was considered likely to influence performance. The median RHpE scores after the interventions (2/24 [IQR: 1-3, range: 0-12]) were significantly lower than before the interventions (9/24 [IQR: 8-11, range: 2-15]) (Wilcoxon signed-rank z = 10.6, p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the RHpE score and maximum lameness grade before diagnostic anaesthesia (Spearman's rho = 0.09, p = 0.262). It was concluded that the absence of overt lameness does not preclude primary musculoskeletal pain. Gait quality and performance can be improved by diagnostic anaesthesia, with substantial reductions in RHpE scores.

Effects of saddle tilt and stirrup length on the kinetics of horseback riders

Background

How the modification of saddle fitting parameters in horse riding affects rider's kinetics is very uncertain. The aim of this study is to describe how manipulating the two main adjustments that an end-user is likely to perform (saddle tilt and stirrup length) affects the biomechanics of a horse rider on a living horse.

Methods

Eleven showjumpers volunteered to take part in this study. Each participant performed a 120-strides standardization trial at trot and canter, with 0° saddle tilt and stirrup length that would position the rider's knee at 90°. Following the standardization trial, four interventions were performed, which consisted of 60 strides with 60 mm shorter stirrups, 60 mm longer stirrups, 4° forward tilted saddle and 4° backward tilted saddle. Stirrup and rein tension forces were measured with tension loadcells. A symmetry index was calculated. Acceleration was measured with inertial measuring units at the helmet and back of the rider and shock attenuation was calculated.

Results

Shortening the stirrups and adjusting saddle tilt significantly enhanced shock attenuation at canter and increased force on the stirrups at trot and canter (p < 0.05). Lowering the stirrups reduced rein tension forces (p = 0.01). At trot, adjusting saddle tilt and stirrup length enhanced symmetry index on the bit (p < 0.05). These results allowed for general guidelines to be proposed, although individualization became an evident part of any saddle setup design due to a high inter-subject variability.

Static postural differences between male and female equestrian riders on a riding simulator

This study aimed to compare static posture of male and female riders on a riding simulator. Ten female and five male riders underwent a 5 min standardised exercise programme on the simulator, they were then videoed for 10 s from each the left, right, and rear views whilst stationary on the simulator. Two-dimensional kinematic analysis of the videos showed that male riders had a more neutrally positioned pelvis in the sagittal plane (median left: 6.47°, right: 5.24°) with females demonstrating a posterior pelvic tilt (L: 14.04°, R: 13.55°). Females showed significantly greater pelvic obliquity (median female: 1.99°, male: 0.73°), trunk lean (F: 1.60°, M: 0.43°), and shoulder tilt (F: 1.79°, M: 0.57°) in the frontal plane, demonstrating an overall greater postural asymmetry. Previous studies of elite riders have shown a more anteriorly rotated pelvis to be more desirable. Symmetry of riding position is favourable as it allows movements to be performed with ease and ensures even force distribution through the saddle to the horse. Male riders may therefore have a biomechanical advantage over females when it comes to maintaining a desirable riding position. This research should now be extended to study riders on the horse in motion.

"Feel the Force"-Prevalence of Subjectively Assessed Saddle Fit Problems in Swiss Riding Horses and Their Association With Saddle Pressure Measurements and Back Pain

Ill-fitting saddles can impair the well-being and performance of horses. Saddle fit is generally assessed subjectively by a trained professional or with an electronic saddle pressure mat, but little is known about the agreement between both methods. The study aims were (1) to assess the prevalence of saddle fit issues in a riding sound Swiss horse population, (2) to investigate how well the subjective assessment correlates with objectively measured pressure magnitude and distribution under the saddle during riding, and (3) how well both correlate with back pain of the horse. Only 10% of the saddles were free of the assessed problems. Pressures exceeded clinically relevant thresholds in 15% of the horses. There was no clear correlation between back pain and pressure magnitude, but back pain was associated with certain subjectively assessed fit problems. Statistically significant associations between fit problems and the expected pressure patterns were found for panel angles, curvature of the saddle, width of the panel channel, and the waist of the saddle. There was no or limited association of pressure patterns with the balance of the saddle, width and angle of the tree head, or the symmetry of the panels. The results revealed that certain fit problems were reflected in the electronically measured pressure distribution and that the subjective assessment can therefore provide relevant information. Pressure magnitude showed only limited association with back pain, which indicates that there are other factors involved in the development of back problems in horses.

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

A Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) comprising 24 behaviours has been developed to facilitate the identification of musculoskeletal pain. The aim was to further test the RHpE by its application to a convenience sample (n = 60) of sports horses and riding school horses in regular work and assumed by their owners to be working comfortably. All horses performed a purpose-designed dressage-type test of 8.5 min duration in walk, trot and canter, with their normal rider. The RHpE was applied retrospectively to video recordings acquired in a standardised fashion. Seventy-three percent of horses were lame (≤ grade 2/8) on one or more limbs; 47% had gait abnormalities in canter. Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram scores ranged from 3 to 16/24 (median 9); rider skill score ranged from 2.5 to 8/10 (median 4.75). The effect of horse age, breed, sex, work-discipline, epaxial muscle hypertonicity or pain, an ill-fitting saddle, rider skill score, the presence of lameness or gait abnormalities in canter on the RHpE score was assessed using Poisson regression. Two variables were retained in the final multivariable analysis, rider skill score as a continuous variable (p < 0.001), and lameness (p = 0.008). A RHpE score ≥8 was a good indicator of the presence of musculoskeletal pain.