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

It can be a challenge to find a conventional saddle that is a good fit for both horse and rider. An increasing number of riders are purchasing treeless saddles because they are thought to fit a wider range of equine back shapes, but there is only limited research to support this theory. The objectiv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The veterinary journal (1997) 2012-07, Vol.193 (1), p.87-91
Main Authors: Belock, B., Kaiser, L.J., Lavagnino, M., Clayton, H.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
analysis of variance
Animals
Back - physiology
Biomechanical Phenomena
biomechanics
body weight
Electronic pressure mat
Equitation
Gait
Horse
horse riding
horses
Horses - physiology
Humans
Physical Conditioning, Animal - instrumentation
Physical Conditioning, Animal - methods
Physical Conditioning, Animal - physiology
Pressure
Random Allocation
Rider
saddles
Tack
trotting
Weight-Bearing
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Summary:It can be a challenge to find a conventional saddle that is a good fit for both horse and rider. An increasing number of riders are purchasing treeless saddles because they are thought to fit a wider range of equine back shapes, but there is only limited research to support this theory. The objective of this study was to compare the total force and pressure distribution patterns on the horse’s back with conventional and treeless saddles. The experimental hypotheses were that the conventional saddle would distribute the force over a larger area with lower mean and maximal pressures than the treeless saddle. Eight horses were ridden by a single rider at sitting trot with conventional and treeless saddles. An electronic pressure mat measured total force, area of saddle contact, maximal pressure and area with mean pressure >11kPa for 10 strides with each saddle. Univariate ANOVA (P11kPa. These findings suggested that the saddle tree was effective in distributing the weight of the saddle and rider over a larger area and in avoiding localized areas of force concentration.
ISSN:1090-0233
1532-2971
DOI:10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.11.017