Comparison of pressure distribution under a conventional saddle and a treeless saddle at sitting trot.

The study investigates how conventional saddles and treeless saddles distribute pressure on a horse’s back, finding that conventional saddles disperse weight more evenly, potentially reducing stress on the horse.

Objective and Hypotheses of the Study

• The objective of this research was to examine how different types of saddles – conventional and treeless – impact the force distribution and pressure patterns on a horse’s back. This is particularly significant given the popularity of treeless saddles based on the notion that they fit a wider variety of horse back shapes.
• The researchers formulated the experimental hypothesis that a conventional saddle would distribute force over a larger area and produce lower mean and maximal pressures than a treeless saddle.

Experiment Set Up and Methodology

• The study involved a single rider riding eight different horses at a sitting trot. Both types of saddles were tested on each horse.
• To measure the force and pressure distribution, an electronic pressure mat was used. Specific measures recorded included total force, saddle contact area, maximal pressure, and areas with mean pressure exceeding 11 kPa (kilopascals). Each saddle was tested for ten strides to ensure adequate data was gathered.
• To discern any differences between the saddles, the researchers utilized Univariate ANOVA, a statistical analysis tool. Any results with a P-value of less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Findings and Conclusion

• The results demonstrated that compared to the treeless saddle, the conventional saddle was more successful in spreading the weight of the rider over a larger area. It also resulted in lower mean and maximal pressure and fewer sensors hitting the 11 kPa pressure threshold.
• These results suggest that the saddle tree (a crucial part of a conventional saddle’s structure) is effective in distributing the combined saddle and rider weight over a larger area. Additionally, the use of a conventional saddle also helps avoid the creation of localized areas of high force concentration.
• The findings of this study challenge the popular belief that treeless saddles fit more comfortably on a variety of horse backs. It implies that conventional saddles might be a better option in terms of ensuring evenly distributed pressure and preventing possible discomfort or long-term damage to the horse’s back.