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Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2011; (38); 650-653; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00191.x

Relationship between saddle pressure measurements and clinical signs of saddle soreness at the withers.

Abstract: Similar to human decubitus ulcers, local high pressure points from ill-fitting saddles induce perfusion disturbances of different degrees resulting in tissue hypoxia and alteration in sweat production. Objective: To relate the different clinical manifestations of saddle sores to the magnitude of saddle pressures at the location of the withers. Methods: Sixteen horses with dry spots after exercise (Group A) and 7 cases presented with acute clinical signs of saddle pressure in the withers area (Group B) were compared with a control group of 16 sound horses with well fitting saddles (Group C). All horses underwent a saddle pressure measurement at walk, trot and canter. Mean and maximal pressures in the area of interest were compared between groups within each gait. Results: Mean pressures differed significantly between groups in all 3 gaits. Maximal pressure differed between groups at trot; at walk and canter, however, the only significant difference was between Group C and Groups A and B, respectively, (P > 0.05). Mean and maximal pressures at walk in Group A were 15.3 and 30.6 kPa, in Group B 24.0 and 38.9 kPa and in Group C 7.8 and 13.4 kPa, respectively; at trot in Group A 18.1 and 43.4 kPa, in Group B 29.7 and 53.3 kPa and in Group C 9.8 and 21.0 kPa, respectively; and at canter in Group A 21.4 and 48.9 kPa, in Group B 28.6 and 56.0 kPa and in Group C 10.9 and 24.7 kPa, respectively. Conclusions: The study shows that there is a distinguishable difference between the 3 groups regarding the mean pressure value, in all gaits.
© 2010 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2011-05-27 PubMed ID: 21059075DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00191.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research aimed to comprehend the correlation between horse saddle pressure measurements and the noticeable signs of saddle sores. The study found a significant difference in mean saddle pressures between healthy horses and those showing signs of saddle sores across all gaits.

Understanding the Research

The study was focused on understanding the impacts of ill-fitting saddles on horses – which can cause local high pressure points, reducing blood flow (perfusion), leading to tissue oxygen shortage (hypoxia), and alter sweat production. These factors can culminate into saddle sores.

  • The study’s objective was to ascertain connections between different clinical manifestations of saddle sores and the magnitude of saddle pressures, particularly at the horse’s withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades).
  • The researchers studied three groups of horses: Group A (16 horses with dry spots after exercise), Group B (7 cases with apparent signs of saddle pressure in the withers area), and Group C (16 healthy horses with well-fitted saddles).
  • All horses underwent saddle pressure measurement tests across three gaits—walk, trot, and canter.
  • The mean and maximal pressures on the withers area were compared across groups within each gait.

Results of the Study

The research obtained several valuable insights primarily related to saddle pressures and its relation to saddle sores.

  • Significant differences were observed in mean saddle pressures amongst the three groups across all three gaits—walk, trot, and canter.
  • The maximum pressure varied across groups only in the trot gait. However, at walk and canter gaits, the noticeable differences were only between the sound horses (Group C) and the other two groups indicating saddle soreness.
  • Groups A and B, that had dry spots and acute clinical signs respectively, showed higher mean and maximal pressures at walk, trot, and canter when compared to the control Group C of sound horses.

Conclusions from the Study

The research concluded that a correlation exists between mean saddle pressures and signs of saddle sores in horses. There’s a noticeable difference in mean pressure value across the three groups, suggesting that saddle construction and fitment play a critical role in a horse’s health and performance.

Cite This Article

APA
von Peinen K, Wiestner T, von Rechenberg B, Weishaupt MA. (2011). Relationship between saddle pressure measurements and clinical signs of saddle soreness at the withers. Equine Vet J Suppl(38), 650-653. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00191.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 38
Pages: 650-653

Researcher Affiliations

von Peinen, K
  • Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Switzerland. kvonpeinen@vetclinics.uzh.ch
Wiestner, T
    von Rechenberg, B
      Weishaupt, M A

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Back Pain / etiology
        • Back Pain / veterinary
        • Female
        • Gait
        • Horse Diseases / etiology
        • Horses
        • Locomotion
        • Male
        • Pressure

        Citations

        This article has been cited 10 times.
        1. Cavalli C, Protopopova A. Review of Collars, Harnesses, and Head Collars for Walking Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jul 22;15(15).
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          doi: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0644pubmed: 38916112google scholar: lookup
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        8. MacKechnie-Guire R, Fisher M, Mathie H, Kuczynska K, Fairfax V, Fisher D, Pfau T. A Systematic Approach to Comparing Thermal Activity of the Thoracic Region and Saddle Pressure Distribution beneath the Saddle in a Group of Non-Lame Sports Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021 Apr 13;11(4).
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        10. MacKechnie-Guire R, MacKechnie-Guire E, Fairfax V, Fisher D, Fisher M, Pfau T. The Effect of Tree Width on Thoracolumbar and Limb Kinematics, Saddle Pressure Distribution, and Thoracolumbar Dimensions in Sports Horses in Trot and Canter. Animals (Basel) 2019 Oct 21;9(10).
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