An investigation into the relationship between equine behaviour when tacked‐up and mounted and epaxial muscle hypertonicity or pain, girth region hypersensitivity, saddle‐fit, rider position and balance, and lameness
Authors: Dyson S., Bondi A., Routh J., Pollard D.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Summary
# Editorial Summary Abnormal behaviour during tacking-up and mounting often signals underlying musculoskeletal or equipment-related issues, yet these signs remain poorly characterised in equine practice. Dyson and colleagues prospectively observed 193 horses to identify relationships between resistance behaviours and potential pain sources, including epaxial muscle dysfunction, girth hypersensitivity, saddle misfit, rider imbalance, and lameness, using systematic palpation, standardised behavioural assessment protocols, lameness evaluation, and multivariable regression analysis. Epaxial muscle pain emerged as a particularly strong predictor of tacking-up difficulties (P<0.001), whilst tight saddle tree points and lameness (both in-hand and ridden) independently increased abnormal behaviour rates by 1.4–1.5 times; notably, riding school horses displayed markedly higher abnormal behaviour rates than general purpose horses, suggesting either accumulated pain burden or learned avoidance responses. These findings underline that resistance during tacking or mounting should not be dismissed as behavioural vices but warrant systematic investigation into saddle fit, epaxial muscle integrity, and gait quality—particularly where multiple signs cluster. Better owner education on recognising these behavioural indicators as pain signals could drive earlier intervention and substantially improve welfare outcomes.
Read the full abstract on the publisher's site
Practical Takeaways
- •Abnormal behaviour during tacking-up or mounting should be treated as a red flag for underlying lameness, epaxial muscle pain, or saddle fit problems rather than a training or behavioural issue—perform a thorough lameness and saddle fit evaluation before assuming behavioural causes
- •Pay particular attention to saddle tree point fit and epaxial muscle palpation, as these were directly linked to mounting resistance; a well-fitted saddle and pain-free back are non-negotiable foundations
- •Educate clients that these behaviours are communication of discomfort; horses displaying resistance during tacking-up or mounting warrant veterinary assessment and tack evaluation, not punishment
Key Findings
- •Riding school horses showed 1.4-1.5 times higher rates of abnormal tacking-up and mounting behaviours compared to general purpose horses (P<0.0001 and P=0.007 respectively)
- •Moderate or severe lameness was associated with 1.4 times higher rates of abnormal behaviour during tacking-up (P=0.02), and lameness in-hand or ridden correlated with 1.5 times higher rates during mounting
- •Epaxial muscle pain was significantly associated with higher behaviour scores during tacking-up (P<0.001), and tight tree points were associated with elevated scores (P=0.03)
- •Higher static saddle-fit scores (indicating more fit abnormalities) correlated with higher behaviour scores during mounting