Horse Saddlery and Tack Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Ill-fitting saddles and tack cause pain and behavioural problems in horses. Regular assessment and fit is a fundamental welfare requirement.

Key Facts

An estimated 70-80% of saddles do not fit adequately according to some equine physiotherapy surveys
Ill-fitting saddles cause pressure points, muscle pain and nerve damage
Signs of saddle discomfort include reluctance to be tacked up, ear pinning and bucking under saddle
Back pain from poorly fitting tack is a frequent cause of training problems and performance decline
TREES (The Saddle Research Trust) has developed standardised saddle fit assessment protocols
Saddle fit should be assessed by a qualified saddle fitter every 6-12 months or after significant body change
Bit comfort is equally important - signs of bit discomfort include head tossing, resistance and mouth gaping

Welfare Considerations

Tack-related pain is one of the most common and preventable welfare problems in working horses. The difficulty is that horses cannot report pain verbally, and riders often interpret pain behaviours as training problems rather than discomfort signs. A horse that is unwilling or resistant is frequently in pain. Treating tack-related welfare as a routine priority through regular professional assessment can prevent enormous amounts of preventable suffering.

What You Can Do

Have your saddle professionally assessed for fit every 6-12 months and after any significant body condition change
Learn to recognise signs of saddle discomfort including behaviour changes when tacking up
Ensure bridle and bit fit is assessed by a qualified equine dental technician and bit fitter
Never use pain-masking devices such as tight nosebands to suppress tack-related discomfort signs