UK saddle survey Part 2 – Behavioural and physical responses of horses to saddles during mounting and riding
Authors: G. Tabor, J.M. Williams, D. Marlin
Journal: Comparative Exercise Physiology
Summary
# Editorial Summary: UK Saddle Survey Part 2 Mounting difficulties and ridden behavioural resistance remain prevalent in UK competition horses, yet their relationship to saddle fit has received limited systematic investigation. Tabor, Williams and Marlin surveyed 3,624 equestrian professionals across dressage, eventing and showjumping disciplines using structured questionnaires to quantify the frequency of mounting-related behaviours and physical signs that may indicate back discomfort. The findings paint a concerning picture: nearly one in ten horses exhibited cold-back behaviour requiring lunging before work, 30% displayed resistance during saddling or girthing, 64% moved away during mounting, and a third showed tenderness on palpation under the saddle area—with shared saddle use markedly increasing cold-back incidence (2.6-fold risk when used on five or more horses versus one). These data suggest that poor saddle fit represents a significant, yet potentially modifiable, source of equine back pain and associated behavioural problems affecting both welfare and ridden safety. For farriers, veterinarians, physiotherapists and coaches encountering such presentations, professional saddle assessment should feature prominently in diagnostic protocols, whilst the profession's collective responsibility extends to educating riders that mounting difficulties and tactile sensitivity warrant investigation rather than acceptance as normal variation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •If a horse is regularly cold-backed or shows behavioural resistance to saddling/mounting, this likely indicates pain or discomfort — have the saddle fit professionally assessed rather than assuming the horse needs more warm-up
- •Using one saddle across multiple horses significantly increases the risk of fit problems and back pain; individual saddle fitting should be considered a welfare priority
- •Back tenderness on palpation and evasion during mounting are common signs of saddle-related back issues — riders should seek professional help (veterinary and saddle fitter) rather than accepting these as normal
Key Findings
- •9.2% of horses were reported as 'cold-backed' requiring lunging or walking before mounting
- •30% of respondents experienced adverse behavioural responses during saddling/girthing, and 64% reported horses moving away during mounting
- •34% of respondents reported tenderness when touching the horse's back under the saddle
- •Using the same saddle on 4+ horses increased risk of cold-back by 2.5-2.6 times compared to single-horse use