Contrbuted by Equine Bodyworker Stephanie Tattersall
After an initial session with a new client I often find myself recommending other professionals that I feel would benefit that particular horse or human.
Veterinarians, equine dentists, equine nutritionists, physiotherapists (for horse or human) farriers, equine podiatrists, groundwork experts and trainers are some of the experts to consult to help to improve the quality of life for horse and rider.
My most frequent recommendation however is by far, the saddle fitter.
I often assess saddle fit as part of my sessions and over the years it has become apparent that there is a direct correlation between saddle fit and where I find the horses ‘tight spots’.
Here is why…horses are physically fickle beings and are notorious for changing shape frequently.
They can gain weight, lose weight, gain muscle, lose muscle, build asymmetric muscling, prioritize different muscle groups dependent on the time of year, strengthen their top line, lose top line condition or change hoof shape and angle which directly effects the angles higher up the pelvic and pectoral limbs.
Whether you have a state of the art made-to-measure designer saddle or a second hand been there, done that saddle, it is highly advantageous to have them checked by a fully qualified and reputable saddle fitter regularly.
A healthy back is of utmost importance for your horse.
The equine back is built for stability and not for movement. It is a relatively inflexible bow upon which soft tissues act to create movement, flexion and impulsion.
An unhealthy back will reduce weight carrying capabilities as well as interrupt the flow of propulsive energy from back to front and lead to compensatory postures and gaits in order for the horse to achieve what it was designed to do…move.
Too narrow
Without question, the most common saddle fit issue I come across is that the saddle is simply too narrow for the horse. The panels of the saddle should sit along the path of the strong and supple longissimus dorsi muscle and not interfere with any delicate spinous processes of the vertebrae or the top of the ribcage.
A saddle that is two narrow causes four points of tension and pressure. Two of which appear at the base of the withers where lies the all important forelimb protractor, the trapezius thoracic and two that appear either side of the the seventeenth and eighteenth thoracic vertebrae.
This is caused by the narrow saddle tipping the riders weight backwards which causes a rocking motion during locomotion. This causes bridging throughout the middle of the panels and excess pressure towards the pommel and the cantle.
Special mention should also be given to the area surrounding the tenth to the thirteenth cervical vertebrae (T10-13). This area sits underneath the waist or twist of the saddle which is the narrowest part of the saddle.
Incidentally, the area surrounding T10-13 is exactly where the longissimus dorsi is the most active. Muscular restriction in this area will greatly inhibit the horses ability to flex and extend along the back. When restriction is found in this area there will undoubtedly be further restriction throughout the belly of the muscle.
Too wide
A saddle that is two wide creates two points of tension and pressure. These two points appear at the base of the wither.
A saddle that is too wide tips forwards due to the horses centre of mass being just in front of the mid section of the horse. It causes excess pressure to form across the trapezius thoracic and infringes upon other muscles that attach to the scapula spine such as the rhomboids and the shoulder stabilises that are the infraspinatus and supraspinatus.
Special mention again needs to be addressed with regards to T10-T13. The twist or waist of a too wide saddle is blocked by this area, effectively blocking the flow of energy and propulsion from the hindquarters and causing instability of the cervio-thoracic junction.
Too long
I personally recommend that no saddle should extend beyond the eighteenth thoracic vertebrae as it would encroach upon the unsupported lumbar region.
A saddle that is too long causes four points of tension. Two either side of the lumbar vertebrae (L1-6) and two at either side of the second to the fifth thoracic vertebrae (T2-5)
L1-L6 often becomes sore and congested as it is simply not as adept at weight bearing compared to the thoracic vertebrae and I often find T2-5 blocked as certain gaits that the horse performs (particularly canter) push the front of the saddle too far forward and into the top of the scapula.
Impeded scapula movement causes muscular and myofascial restriction within the main scapula “pulling” muscles; the trapezius cervices and thoracic and the serratus ventralis cervices and thoracic.
This leads to impeded shoulder movement, lessened protraction, a heavy forehand and reluctance to move forward or accelerate.
Horses will naturally evade uncomfortable pressure and so poor saddle fit will cause multiple afflictions.
Soreness mainly concentrated around T1-13 and T17-L6, loss of power from behind, reduced forelimb motion, working in an extended frame, reluctance to go forward or accelerate and undesirable ridden behaviours to express their discomfort such as bucking, rearing, head shaking and napping.
Saddle fit needs to be checked regularly!
Horses change shape with the seasons and therefore it is advisable to have your saddle checked every three months to ensure it is of optimum fit and comfort.
Body work sessions are also advantageous at similar intervals. A good body worker will work alongside the saddle fitter and any other professional you have to ensure the best outcome for your horse.
Not only does it increase your horses performance, range of motion and flexibility but it also ensures that any little musculoskeletal ‘niggles’ don’t turn into ‘problems’.
As horse owners and professionals working within the equine industry it is our job to ensure that your horse is as comfortable as possible and that we all serve as small a burden as possible on our horses backs.
