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New horse, saddle and rider study

Riders called on to help research into saddle slip

The Animal Health Trust (AHT) is conducting new research into the relationship between horse, saddle and rider to help improve the health and welfare of ridden horses.

In particular, equine vets at the trust are aiming to improve understanding of why the saddle may persistently slip to one side in some horses.

"Saddle slip is a problem seen in all sorts of horses and ponies and can contribute to back pain and thus impaired performance," says Line Greve, PhD student and co-author of the study.


"Research suggests that 25 per cent of British dressage horses have a history of back-related problems and subsequent reduced performance."
An anonymous online questionnaire has been launched and the AHT is appealing for riders to participate.


The questions cover saddle types, fitting, use and maintenance, as well as previous back-related problems, rider experience and training.


Mr Greve added: "Our preliminary studies involve just over 700 riders but for a more accurate picture we would like to bump this figure up to 1000 plus."


Results are expected to be presented at the Saddle Research Trust Conference in 2014.


Click here to complete the questionnaire.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.