Poor saddle fit is one of the most common causes of back pain and behavioral problems in working and sport horses, yet systematic saddle fitting remains inconsistent across equestrian disciplines.
Horses with poor saddle fit often perform reluctantly, show mouth tension, resist gait transitions, or pin their ears - behaviors frequently misattributed to training problems or temperament. Recognizing these as pain signals and addressing fit is essential to welfare. Routine professional assessment, combined with rider education about pain signs, can prevent chronic back problems that affect equine wellbeing throughout their working lives.