Companion Animals

Companion Horse Saddle Fit and Back Pain

Ill-fitting saddles are a major cause of back pain and poor performance in horses, with welfare implications that require regular assessment.

Key Facts

Back pain is estimated to affect 50-80% of competition horses
Saddle fit changes with horse muscle development, weight change, and seasonal variation
A poorly fitting saddle causes pain, restricted movement, and behavioural changes
Saddle fit assessment should be conducted every 6 months or after significant body changes
Horses with back pain often show subtle signs including reluctance to go forward or cold back

Welfare Considerations

Horses ridden in ill-fitting saddles experience chronic pain during every work session. This pain manifests as reluctance, napping, ear pinning, and reluctance to be saddled - behaviours often incorrectly attributed to disobedience. Regular saddle fit assessment by qualified saddle fitters prevents and identifies saddle-related back pain, which is both a welfare and performance imperative.

What You Can Do

Have your saddle fitted by a Society of Master Saddlers qualified fitter annually
Monitor your horse for signs of back pain including resistance and cold back
Consult a veterinary physiotherapist if your horse shows any signs of back discomfort