Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Saddle Fit Welfare Science

Ill-fitting saddles cause pain and back pathology in ridden horses. Regular saddle fit assessment protects welfare for working horses.

Key Facts

A 2015 study found 73% of saddles assessed were poorly fitted
Spinal pathology (kissing spine) is associated with saddle pressure patterns
Tree width, balance, and panel contact all affect pressure distribution
Thermographic imaging detects saddle pressure hot spots non-invasively
Saddle fit changes as horses gain or lose condition and muscle mass

Welfare Considerations

Horses ridden in ill-fitting saddles experience chronic back pain that manifests in reluctance to work, behavioral problems, and reduced performance. Many cases are misattributed to training problems or the horse's attitude when pain is the actual cause. Regular saddle assessment by a qualified fitter, combined with physiotherapy assessment, protects the horse from unnecessary suffering during ridden work.

What You Can Do

Have your saddle professionally assessed by a qualified saddle fitter annually
Monitor for behavioral signs of back pain during ridden work
Reassess saddle fit when your horse's body condition changes significantly
Work with a vet and physiotherapist for horses showing back pain signs