Shape change in the saddle region of the equine back during trot and walk.

The research discusses how horseback riding saddles, typically designed for horses when they’re standing, may not fit as well when the horse is in motion. The study investigates and compares the curvature of horses’ backs while standing, walking, and trotting, and offers insights into better saddle design to improve the well-being of horses.

Background

• The problem of back pain in ridden horses is often attributed to poorly fitted saddles.
• However, the researchers propose an alternative explanation – that the saddles are fitted well but designed for the wrong configuration.
• Saddles are mainly designed for horses in a standing position but a large portion of the horse’s time is spent in locomotion, either trotting or walking.

Methodology

• The researchers used a camera setup to track and study the dynamic movement and surface changes on horseback during different movements – standing, trotting, and walking.
• The accuracy of this setup was verified using a life-sized model of a horse that was scanned with lasers.

Findings

• The study found that the saddles typically sit on a less mobile region of the horse’s back.
• However, the saddles are also situated adjacent to the horse’s withers, a highly mobile area that requires careful design consideration and saddle positioning.
• Most importantly, the curvature of horses’ backs was found to be substantially different between the standing and trot/walk states, with the moving horses having a flatter back than when they’re standing.

Implications

• These insights can be leveraged to design saddles that are better suited to the locomotive state of horses, which may lead to better welfare of the horses by providing a better fit and reducing the pressure points.