New saddle-mapping tech can reduce back pain for horses

Did you know that a staggering 35% of ridden horses suffer from back pain, often due to ill-fitting saddles? But fear not, a groundbreaking method for scanning moving horses has revolutionized the game! Meet Dr. Jorn Cheney, a visionary animal locomotion researcher from the University of Southampton, UK, who has unlocked the key to reducing equine back pain.

Traditionally, saddles are fitted to horses while they stand still, failing to account for the dynamic changes that occur when the horse is in motion. Prepare to be astonished: Dr. Cheney's team discovered that the shape of a stationary horse vastly differs from the stride-averaged shape of a moving horse. The extent of this difference left them amazed!

Using an array of cameras, Dr. Cheney filmed horses walking and trotting, meticulously capturing the shape-shifting nature of their backs. Employing cutting-edge videogrammetry techniques, they reconstructed a comprehensive "saddle-map" that identifies optimal areas for saddle placement, dramatically reducing the risk of pain and injury for our beloved equine friends.

One fascinating finding was the movement of a specific region known as the withers, located above and behind the shoulder blades. As horses moved, this area shifted up and down by several centimeters compared to their stationary stance. Understanding these dynamic patterns enables us to enhance saddle design and fitting methods.

Dr. Cheney's pioneering research measures the shape of the saddle region during different gaits to comprehend muscle bulging and spinal flexion. By integrating this knowledge, we can develop saddles that establish a harmonious interface with a horse's back. After all, a poorly fitted saddle can inflict severe tissue damage, even leading to muscle wastage and loss in the back.

Moreover, this groundbreaking research highlights that the least mobile areas of a horse's back are ideal for distributing pressure, while excessive pressure and soft tissue movement in highly mobile regions can cause pain and tissue damage.

The exciting outcome of this study? Dr. Cheney is collaborating with master saddlers to deliver new design and fitting guidance that aligns with professional saddling practices and industry philosophy.