health ‘n’ wellbeing
What is an ‘appropriate’ horse and rider weight proportion? Industry form discusses an issue that has remained on the ‘too difficult’ pile for too long
The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and World Horse Welfare initiated a meeting recently to discuss the issue of appropriate horse and rider weight proportions.
Although it was confirmed that this issue does not affect large numbers of horses, those impacted can suffer a range of problems including: muscle fatigue and loss of muscle tone which compromises skeletal frame; stumbling and/or falling; compromised performance; behavioural issues; and horse and rider safety.
Senior representatives from across the equestrian spectrum, including from The Association of Show and Agriculture Organisations, Association of British Riding Schools, The British Horse Society, British Eventing, British Dressage, The Pony Club, Riding for the Disabled Association, Saddle Research Trust, Showing Council and
Society of Master Saddlers led by the BEF and World Horse Welfare, came together to assess the matter and suggest possible solutions.
Whilst there is a belief that having a large rider on a small horse or pony is the issue, in fact unbalanced or unfit riders can have a similar impact. The group shares the view that the vast majority of people can find a horse that suits their needs and are acutely aware that inexperienced riders or those new to the sport should not have unrealistic expectations placed upon them and can be supported to be active participants in equestrianism. Riding should remain an accessible sport for everyone so by giving the industry tools to ensure that riders are an appropriate weight for the horse even more people may be encouraged into the sport.
The group will now look for innovative ways that riders
can assess if they are the appropriate weight for their horse, explore pre-riding fitness initiatives and also develop guidance to support judges and officials to ensure that the horses’ welfare always remains paramount.
Deputy Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare Tony Tyler, who chaired the meeting, said; “It was fantastic to get this wide group of people together who are passionate about both riding and also the responsibility that comes with it to try and address an issue that has remained on the ‘too difficult’ pile for too long. This is certainly not about stopping people from riding - it is simply trying to ensure they are mounted correctly so their horse is not compromised. If the right guidance can be put in place both horses and riders will benefit; after all you won’t get the best performance or enjoyment from your horse if
it is struggling to carry you. The group felt that there were ways forward that can reduce the number of horses affected, to the obvious benefit of the horses.”
Jan Rogers from the BEF says: “The majority of judges and stewards take a balanced and proportionate view on this issue during competitions, but may need some support to deal with some of the emerging issues brought to our attention. We are keen to help raise awareness of the long-term welfare implications of putting a horse or pony under undue pressure, but are conscious that a ‘one size’ solution will not be appropriate. The group is keen to develop a consistent evidence- based template from which individual bodies’ regulations could take direction. We wholeheartedly agree that simple training and education is far more appropriate than a punitive response.”
Should vets be concerned about saddle fit?
Equine vet Dr Sue Dyson has collaborated with Master Saddlers and saddle fitters Mark Fisher and Sue Carson to produce a practical, illustrated tutorial to help vets understand the significance of saddle fit on the health and welfare of horse and rider – visit this online link - http://bit. ly/1PRzWS5.
The article has been published in the Equine Veterinary Education Journal, the official education journal of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and is free to view until April 2016.
Saddle fitting, recognising an ill-fitting saddle and the consequences of an ill-fitting saddle to horse and rider was produced as a direct result from the discussions at the Saddle Research Trust (SRT) 2nd International Research Workshop, held after the SRT International Conference in November
www.farmnequine.co.uk
2015. The paper encourages vets to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, with saddle fitters, trainers and physiotherapists, to help educate horse owners about the multiple problems that can be caused by ill-fitting saddles.
Key advice from the paper includes:
• The saddle should be assessed off and on the horse, without and with a rider.
• The fit of the saddle for both the horse and rider must be evaluated.
• A well-fitted saddle should distribute weight evenly via the panels to the horse’s thoracic region, with complete clearance of the spinous processes by the gullet. • The saddle should remain fairly still during ridden exercise at all paces. • The saddle must also fit the rider to enable them to sit in balance.
• Signs of an ill-fitting saddle include equine thoracolumbar pain, focal swellings under the saddle, ruffling of the hair, dry spots under the saddle immediately after exercise surrounded by sweat, and abnormal hair wear.
• If a saddle does not fit the rider, the rider may not be able to ride in balance with the horse, and this may induce equine thoracolumbar pain.
• A saddle of inappropriate size and shape for the rider may induce rider back pain, ‘hip’ pain, sores under the ‘seat bones’ and perineal injuries.
The paper also includes a glossary of saddlery terms, an explanation of saddle fit accessories, a range of informative photographs and a section on who is qualified to provide professional advice on saddle fit.
The paper concludes: “Correct saddle fit for horse
and rider is an important equine welfare issue and the veterinary profession needs to recognise this and be at the forefront of helping to educate the horse owning public. Ideally veterinarians should work in conjunction with professional saddle fitters, trainers and physiotherapists to improve both horse and rider comfort.”
The full article is available to download without charge for six months, until April 2016, with kind permission from Equine Veterinary Education, in association with the American Association of Equine Practitioners, published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The publishers will monitor the impact of this article and if successful, they may repeat the offer in future to help disseminate other key messages.
For further information visit
www.saddleresearchtrust. com
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