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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / The interrelationship of lameness, saddle slip and back shap...
Equine veterinary journal2014; 46(6); 687-694; doi: 10.1111/evj.12222

The interrelationship of lameness, saddle slip and back shape in the general sports horse population.

Abstract: Saddle slip is usually blamed on saddle fit, crooked riders or horse shape, but may reflect hindlimb lameness. There are no studies of the frequency of occurrence of saddle slip and risk factors within a tested sample population of the general sports horse population. Objective: To quantify the frequency of saddle slip and to describe the association with lameness, thoracolumbar shape/symmetry, crooked riders and ill-fitting saddles. Methods: Nonrandom, cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling. Methods: Five hundred and six sports horses in normal work were assessed prospectively. Thoracolumbar shape/symmetry were measured at predetermined sites; the presence of lameness (in hand and/or ridden) and saddle slip was recorded. Descriptive statistics, univariable and multiple logistic regression were performed to assess the relationship between horse-saddle-rider factors and saddle slip. Results: The frequency of lameness, quadrilaterally reduced cranial phase of the stride or stiff, stilted canter was 45.7%, saddle slip 12.3%, left-right thoracolumbar shape asymmetries ≥ coefficient of variance of 8% (1.2 cm) 0.6%; and 103 of 276 riders (37.3%) sat crookedly. The saddle consistently slipped to one side in 24.4% of horses with hindlimb lameness alone, 45.5% of horses with concurrent hindlimb and forelimb lameness, compared with 5.4% with forelimb lameness, 17.4% with stiff, stilted canter, 20% with quadrilaterally reduced cranial phase of stride and 5.5% nonlame horses. Nineteen horses (30.6%) with saddle slip had no detectable hindlimb lameness; however, 14 had a gait abnormality, particularly in canter. Multivariable analysis revealed that saddle slip was significantly associated with hindlimb lameness and gait abnormalities (odds ratio [OR] = 52.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 17.3-159.7), a saddle fitted with even contact and uniform flocking (OR = 15.49, 95% CI 1.9-125.5), riders sitting crookedly (OR = 6.32, 95% CI 2.9-13.7), a well-balanced saddle (OR = 3.05, 95% 1.4-6.9) and large back shape ratio at T18 (OR = 1.2, 95% 1.1-1.3). Conclusions: Many horses with hindlimb and/or forelimb lameness go unrecognised. Saddle slip may be a sign of hindlimb lameness. Education of the equestrian population to identify lameness and saddle slip is required. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information.
© 2013 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2014-02-27 PubMed ID: 24372949DOI: 10.1111/evj.12222Google 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.

This research study explores the interconnection between lameness, saddle slip, and back shape in sports horses. The results indicate that saddle slip, often attributed to factors like uneven saddle fit or crooked riders, may actually serve as an indication of hindlimb lameness in horses. The study highlights the need for better education among equestrians to identify lameness and saddle slip.

Methods

  • The study was a nonrandom, cross-sectional survey utilizing convenience sampling.
  • A total of 506 sports horses in ordinary work were monitored and assessed prospectively.
  • The researchers measured the thoracolumbar shape/symmetry of the horses at predetermined sites and documented any signs of lameness and saddle slip.
  • A combination of descriptive statistics, univariable and multiple logistic regressions was used to study the relationship between horse-saddle-rider factors and saddle slip.

Results

  • 45.7% of the horses showed signs of lameness. Saddle slip was observed in 12.3% of cases. Thoracolumbar shape asymmetries were recorded in 0.6% of cases, and 37.3% of riders were found sitting crookedly.
  • Saddle slip was more commonly observed in horses with hindlimb lameness (24.4%) and those with both hindlimb and forelimb lameness (45.5%). Nonlameness horses recorded a mere 5.5% occurrence of saddle slip.
  • Contrary to common belief, 30.6% of horses with saddle slip showed no detectable hindlimb lameness. However, 14 of these showed a gait abnormality, particularly in canter.
  • Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between saddle slip and multiple variables including hindlimb lameness and gait abnormalities, a saddle fitted with even contact and uniform flocking, crookedly-sitting riders, a well-balanced saddle, and large back shape ratio at T18.

Conclusions

  • Many sports horses with hindlimb and/or forelimb lameness often go undetected.
  • Saddle slip could potentially be an indicator of hindlimb lameness rather than typically blamed on saddle fit or rider habits.
  • The study underscores the necessity for comprehensive education within the equestrian population to help them more effectively identify signs of lameness and saddle slip in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Greve L, Dyson SJ. (2014). The interrelationship of lameness, saddle slip and back shape in the general sports horse population. Equine Vet J, 46(6), 687-694. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12222

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 46
Issue: 6
Pages: 687-694

Researcher Affiliations

Greve, L
  • Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
Dyson, S J

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Back / anatomy & histology
    • Biomechanical Phenomena
    • Female
    • Horse Diseases / pathology
    • Horses
    • Lameness, Animal / pathology
    • Logistic Models
    • Male
    • Risk Factors

    Citations

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