Companion Animals

Companion Horse Saddle Fit and Back Pain

The welfare implications of saddle fit in horses and how to identify and address saddle-related pain.

Key Facts

Ill-fitting saddles are a major and underappreciated cause of horse pain
Back pain from poor saddle fit often manifests as resistance and behavioural problems
Saddle fit changes as horses change weight and muscle condition seasonally
Qualified saddle fitters should assess fit at least annually and after any significant weight change
Pressure mapping technology enables objective assessment of saddle pressure distribution

Welfare Considerations

Saddle-related back pain causes significant suffering that is frequently misidentified as a training problem, making regular saddle fit assessment a welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Have your horse's saddle checked by a registered saddle fitter annually
Learn to recognise signs of back pain and saddle discomfort in horses
Invest in saddle fit checks after any significant change in your horse's body condition