Close menu

SURE

Sunderland Repository records the research produced by the University of Sunderland including practice-based research and theses.

The effects of rider size and saddle fit for horse and rider on forces and pressure distribution under saddles: a pilot study

This is the latest version of this item.

Roost, Linda, Ellis, Andrea D., Morris, Catherine, Bondi, Anne, Gandy, Elizabeth, Harris, Patricia and Dyson, Sue (2019) The effects of rider size and saddle fit for horse and rider on forces and pressure distribution under saddles: a pilot study. Equine Veterinary Education.

Item Type: Article

Abstract

Background: There is limited scientific evidence concerning the effect of rider weight on pressures under the saddle and equine performance. Objectives: To assess pressure distribution and magnitude in horses ridden by four riders of similar ability, but differing in bodyweight and height. Study Design: Prospective, cross-over, randomised trial. Methods: Six horses in regular work were ridden by four riders (rider bodyweight: horse body weight percentage >10-≤12 [L=Light], >12≤15 [M=Moderate], >15<18 [H=Heavy] and >20 [VH=VeryHeavy]), performing a purpose-designed dressage test (30 minutes). The test was abandoned for ≥grade 3/8 lameness or ≥10 behavioural markers (assessed in real-time). A calibrated force mat (Pliance) was used to record pressures under the saddle in walk, trot and canter on left and right reins. Rider position was assessed. Results: All 13 H and VH rider tests were abandoned (lameness, n=12; behaviour, n=1), as was one of 12 M rider tests (lameness). At walk, the seat of rider VH extended beyond the cantle of the saddle; rider H sat on the cantle of the saddle. At trot and canter the heels of rider VH were consistently cranial to the tubera coxae and shoulders. Pressures were significantly higher under the caudal aspect of the saddle compared with cranially for rider VH in walk (P<0.05, Anova, Bonferroni). At rising trot pressures were higher cranially for riders L, M and H (P<0.05, Anova, Bonferroni), but were similar cranially and caudally for rider VH. The highest maximum peak pressure was recorded for rider VH in canter. Limitations: Speed can alter pressure measurements, but was not controlled or recorded. Conclusions: There were differences in magnitude and distribution of pressures among the four riders according to their size, which may have contributed to the development of musculoskeletal pain. This may also have been influenced by saddle fit for riders and their positions.

[img] PDF
The effects of rider size and saddle fit for horse and rider on forces and pressure distribution under saddles - author accepted.docx - Accepted Version

Download (96kB)

More Information

Depositing User: Elizabeth Gandy

Identifiers

Item ID: 10680
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.13102
URI: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/10680
Official URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ev...

Users with ORCIDS

ORCID for Elizabeth Gandy: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-4139-1063

Catalogue record

Date Deposited: 25 Apr 2019 15:59
Last Modified: 09 Apr 2020 02:38

Contributors

Author: Elizabeth Gandy ORCID iD
Author: Linda Roost
Author: Andrea D. Ellis
Author: Catherine Morris
Author: Anne Bondi
Author: Patricia Harris
Author: Sue Dyson

University Divisions

Faculty of Technology > School of Computer Science

Subjects

Sciences > Sport Sciences

Actions (login required)

View Item (Repository Staff Only) View Item (Repository Staff Only)

Available Versions of this Item