Saddle Thigh Block Design Can Influence Rider and Horse Biomechanics.
Authors: Murray Rachel, Fisher Mark, Fairfax Vanessa, MacKechnie-Guire Russell
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Saddle Thigh Block Design and Rider-Horse Biomechanics The rider-saddle interface fundamentally influences how forces are transmitted through the horse's spine, yet this relationship has received surprisingly limited scientific attention in equestrian biomechanics. Murray and colleagues compared two dressage saddle thigh block designs—a traditional vertical face (S) and a deformable face (F)—in eighteen elite sport horses during sitting trot, measuring rider-saddle pressure distribution, rider trunk positioning, and equine spinal kinematics using pressure mats, video analysis, and inertial measuring units. The deformable thigh block design significantly increased contact area and mean/peak pressures at the rider-saddle interface (p = 0.0001), whilst reducing anterior trunk tilt and fundamentally altering equine movement: the horse exhibited reduced thoracic rotation and flexion/extension (p = 0.01–0.03), increased caudal thoracic and lumbar lateral bend (p = 0.02–0.04), and greater carpal flexion (p = 0.01–0.05) compared with the rigid block. For practitioners, these findings underscore that thigh block geometry directly impacts rider stability and postural control, which cascades into measurable changes in spinal mobility and limb mechanics—particularly relevant for farriers optimising landing mechanics, physiotherapists addressing asymmetrical spinal patterns, and coaches refining rider position during seated work.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Deformable thigh blocks improve rider stability and position consistency by distributing pressure more evenly across the rider-saddle interface, potentially reducing localised pressure points
- •Saddle thigh block design directly influences horse spinal mechanics and limb kinematics; selecting appropriate block design can enhance thoracic stability and lumbar flexibility for improved movement quality
- •Optimising rider-saddle-horse interaction through saddle fit details like thigh block design should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to enhancing equine performance and welfare in sport horses
Key Findings
- •Deformable thigh block (F) increased rider-saddle contact area, mean pressure, and peak pressure (p = 0.0001) compared to vertical thigh block (S)
- •Deformable thigh block design reduced rider trunk anterior tilt, indicating a more upright rider position during sitting trot
- •Horse thoracic axial rotation and flexion/extension were reduced with deformable thigh block (p = 0.01-0.03), while caudal thoracic and lumbar lateral bend increased (p = 0.02-0.04)
- •Carpal flexion increased significantly with deformable thigh block (p = 0.01-0.05), enhancing forelimb engagement