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Flatter saddles may improve horse welfare – study
“This study offers valuable insight, and the findings will support fitters to have more impactful conversations with clients about maintaining optimal saddle fit" - Catherine Morris, Worshipful Company of Saddlers.
Horse backs become much flatter during movement.

Flatter saddles could improve the welfare of horses that spend much of their time in ridden motion, according to new research.

The study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and the University of Southampton found that horse backs become much flatter during movement compared to when they are stationary. This suggests that traditional saddle fitting may not properly support weight distribution during riding.  

It is hoped that the findings, published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, may help improve the design of saddles, as well as improve the health and welfare of horses. 

Study lead Dr Jorn Cheney, lecturer in natural sciences at the University of Southampton, said: “I am reassured that a lot of key principles of saddlery held true. 

“At least during walk and trot, saddles can be stiff, and they cover areas of the back that don’t move. Now the exciting question is, ‘do we improve upon the design by fitting to the moving animal?’ and if so what’s the best way of making that technique accessible?”

Back pain in ridden horses is often linked to poor saddle fit, but this can be reduced with a well-fitting saddle that evenly distributes the weight of the rider.

In the study, researchers used cameras to measure the saddle region of horses' backs while walking, trotting and standing – recording the differences in curvature. The team then verified these observations by building a life-sized, laser-scanned model horse.

They noted that, when a horse was moving, the saddle region remained relatively stable, with only a few millimetres of changes – suggesting that deformable padding found in the side panels of saddles could accommodate these variations.

Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of withers clearance and lays the groundwork for more studies into saddle fit, particularly during canter, gallop, and the impact of a rider's weight. 

Catherine Morris, equestrian and charities advisor the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, commented: “This study offers valuable insight, and the findings will support fitters to have more impactful conversations with clients about maintaining optimal saddle fit.

“Understanding a horse's back in movement and how it changes with factors like gait, load, fitness, and training is critical for achieving effective and comfortable fit for horse and rider."

Image (C) Shutterstock.

 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.