Poor saddle fit is a common and underrecognised cause of back pain and performance problems in horses. Regular fitting by a qualified saddler is essential.
Horses are often unable to communicate pain clearly and may show saddle discomfort through behavioural changes that are misinterpreted as disobedience or laziness. These include bucking, rearing, reluctance to be caught, ear pinning when girthing, and poor performance. Regular saddle fit assessments by a qualified professional, ideally annually or when the horse's body condition changes, prevent ongoing back pain. Pressure mapping technology allows objective assessment of saddle pressure distribution.