How accurate are riders in assessing saddle position?
Abstract: Recent research has highlighted the detrimental impact of an ill-fitting saddle on equine health, welfare and performance. A correctly fitting saddle may not fit if positioned incorrectly. Objective: This study assessed riders' ability to visually evaluate saddle position and examine factors that influenced accuracy of assessment. Methods: Survey participants were provided with photographs of a series of saddles on horses obtained from the lateral aspect of the left side of the horse. Saddles were either correctly positioned (n = 5), too far forward (n = 5) or too far back (n = 2). This was independently confirmed by three accredited saddle fitting professionals. The survey was distributed via snowball sampling on social media over an 3-week period in 2021. Results: There were 401 participants, who, on average, correctly identified 58.25 % of the saddle positions. Riders' ability to correctly assess saddle position (mean 58.25 % correct) was not related to rider age, experience and discipline (all Kruskal-Wallis tests P > 0.05). However, participants who had previously had their own saddle fitted professionally were better able to correctly assess saddle position (60.8 ± 19.0 % correct) compared to those who had not (52.2 ± 19.0 %; KW (1) = 12.59, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Given a substantial proportion of riders in this study were unable to identify correct saddle position these results are concerning due to a likely increased risk of causing the horse discomfort and compromising welfare. Given the increasing focus on ethical and sustainable equitation practice, this lack of knowledge regarding a fundamental piece of horse-riding equipment must be addressed as a priority.
Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2025-07-21 PubMed ID: 40701224DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105655Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article is a study on horse riders’ capability to visually assess the proper position of a saddle, with a revealing conclusion that many riders are unable to accurately make this assessment. The findings bring attention to the potential welfare risks to the horse due to improperly positioned saddles.
Objective and Methodology of the Research
- The objective of this research was to evaluate the riders’ ability to visually judge the position of their horse saddles.
- The study used photographs, showing a series of saddles on horses viewed from the left side, as visual prompts for participants to make their judgement. These saddles were either correctly positioned, too far forwards, or too far back, with their actual positions confirmed independently by three professional saddle fitters.
- A total of 401 participants took part in the study, gathered through snowball sampling on social media channels. The study period extended over three weeks in 2021.
Results of the Study
- On average, the accuracy of the participants’ visual assessment for saddle positions was just over 58%, and this was not influenced by factors like the age of the rider, riding experience or the discipline of riding followed.
- However, participants who had previously taken professional services for saddle fitting displayed better visual judgement (60.8% correct) as compared to those not availing such services (52.2% correct).
Conclusions Drawn from the Research
- Given the inaccuracy observed in participants’ ability to correctly identify saddle positions, the study deduced there’s a clear risk to the horses’ comfort and welfare. Incorrect saddling can have damaging effects on horses’ health and performance.
- The findings call for immediate attention and action, bringing to light a gap in knowledge amongst riders about a crucial component of horse-riding practice – correct saddle placement.
- With a growing emphasis on ethical and sustainable horse-riding practices, addressing this gap in knowledge should be prioritised.
Cite This Article
APA
Douglas M, Williams J, Randle H.
(2025).
How accurate are riders in assessing saddle position?
J Equine Vet Sci, 152, 105655.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105655 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Agriculture, Environmental and Veterinary Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2652, Australia. Electronic address: mdouglas@csu.edu.au.
- Department of Equine, Hartpury University, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, UK.
- School of Agriculture, Environmental and Veterinary Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2652, Australia.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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