Evaluation of pressure distribution under an English saddle at walk, trot and canter.
Authors: Fruehwirth B, Peham C, Scheidl M, Schobesberger H
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Pressure Distribution Under English Saddles Across Gaits Understanding how rider weight and movement translate into pressure on the equine back is crucial for preventing musculoskeletal injury, yet quantitative data has been scarce until now. Fruehwirth and colleagues used pressure-sensitive saddle pads to measure maximum overall force (MOF) and centre of pressure (COP) distribution across walk, trot and canter in twelve sound horses, alongside kinematic analysis of spinal movement. Maximum overall force increased substantially with gait speed—from 12.1 N/kg at walk to 243 N/kg at trot and 27.2 N/kg at canter in ridden horses—whilst the presence of a rider and saddle significantly restricted dorsal spine mobility compared to unridden, saddled controls. These findings demonstrate that pressure distribution follows consistent, measurable patterns within each gait, creating an objective framework for evaluating saddle fit, rider technique and the biomechanical interaction between horse and rider. For farriers, veterinarians and physiotherapists, this methodology offers a standardised way to identify whether a particular rider, saddle combination or training approach may be causing harmful stress patterns, enabling evidence-based recommendations for improving performance whilst protecting equine welfare.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Pressure distribution under saddles varies markedly by gait; trot generates the highest forces and may warrant particular attention to saddle fit and pad design
- •Objective pressure mapping can identify potentially harmful riding styles and saddle configurations, providing evidence-based feedback for riders and saddlers
- •The restriction of back movement when ridden suggests saddle design and rider position significantly influence spinal kinematics—poor fit may have cumulative consequences
Key Findings
- •Maximum overall force (MOF) differed significantly between gaits: 12.1 ± 1.2 N/kg at walk, 243 ± 4.6 N/kg at trot, and 27.2 ± 4.4 N/kg at canter in ridden horses
- •Centre of pressure (COP) showed consistent time patterns specific to each gait
- •Back range of motion was significantly reduced in ridden horses compared to unridden saddled horses
- •Saddle pressure distribution patterns are quantifiable and repeatable, enabling objective assessment of rider-horse interaction