Poorly fitting saddles cause chronic pain and significantly impair equine welfare. Saddle fitting is a specialist skill and regular assessment is essential for ridden horse welfare.
Saddle fit welfare is frequently overlooked because horses cannot directly communicate discomfort and many behaviour signs of pain are attributed to 'difficult' or 'uncooperative' temperament rather than equipment-related pain. A poorly fitted saddle causes direct pressure on the spine, trapezius muscle, and other structures during work, creating acute and chronic pain. Regular professional saddle fitting assessment with muscle and topline changes is essential for ridden horse welfare. Objective tools including pressure pad systems and thermography allow evidence-based assessment. Owner education about behaviour signs of saddle pain is critical for early detection and intervention.