How accurate are riders in assessing saddle position?
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent research has highlighted the detrimental impact of an ill-fitting saddle on equine health, welfare and performance. A correctly fitting saddle may not fit if positioned incorrectly. AIMS: This study assessed riders' ability to visually evaluate saddle position and examine factors that influenced accuracy of assessment. METHODS: Survey participants were provided with photographs of a series of saddles on horses obtained from the lateral aspect of the left side of the horse. Saddles were either correctly positioned (n = 5), too far forward (n = 5) or too far back (n = 2). This was independently confirmed by three accredited saddle fitting professionals. The survey was distributed via snowball sampling on social media over an 3-week period in 2021. RESULTS: There were 401 participants, who, on average, correctly identified 58.25 % of the saddle positions. Riders' ability to correctly assess saddle position (mean 58.25 % correct) was not related to rider age, experience and discipline (all Kruskal-Wallis tests P > 0.05). However, participants who had previously had their own saddle fitted professionally were better able to correctly assess saddle position (60.8 ± 19.0 % correct) compared to those who had not (52.2 ± 19.0 %; KW (1) = 12.59, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Given a substantial proportion of riders in this study were unable to identify correct saddle position these results are concerning due to a likely increased risk of causing the horse discomfort and compromising welfare. Given the increasing focus on ethical and sustainable equitation practice, this lack of knowledge regarding a fundamental piece of horse-riding equipment must be addressed as a priority.
Authors: M. Douglas, J. Williams, H. Randle
Institutions: Charles Sturt University, Hartpury University
Language: English
Subfield: Equine
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,210
OpenAlex ID: W4412507526