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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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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.

 

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Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."