How accurate are riders in assessing saddle position?

Recent research has highlighted the detrimental impact of an ill-fitting saddle on equine health, welfare and performance. A correctly fitting saddle may not fit if positioned incorrectly.

This study assessed riders' ability to visually evaluate saddle position and examine factors that influenced accuracy of assessment.

Survey participants were provided with photographs of a series of saddles on horses obtained from the lateral aspect of the left side of the horse. Saddles were either correctly positioned (n = 5), too far forward (n = 5) or too far back (n = 2). This was independently confirmed by three accredited saddle fitting professionals. The survey was distributed via snowball sampling on social media over an 3-week period in 2021.

There were 401 participants, who, on average, correctly identified 58.25 % of the saddle positions. Riders' ability to correctly assess saddle position (mean 58.25 % correct) was not related to rider age, experience and discipline (all Kruskal-Wallis tests P > 0.05). However, participants who had previously had their own saddle fitted professionally were better able to correctly assess saddle position (60.8 ± 19.0 % correct) compared to those who had not (52.2 ± 19.0 %; KW (1) = 12.59, P < 0.001).

Given a substantial proportion of riders in this study were unable to identify correct saddle position these results are concerning due to a likely increased risk of causing the horse discomfort and compromising welfare. Given the increasing focus on ethical and sustainable equitation practice, this lack of knowledge regarding a fundamental piece of horse-riding equipment must be addressed as a priority.