How accurate are riders in assessing saddle position?

Area of Science:

• Equine Science
• Animal Welfare
• Equestrian Studies

Background:

• Ill-fitting saddles negatively impact horse health, welfare, and performance.
• Incorrect saddle positioning can negate the benefits of a well-fitting saddle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate riders' ability to visually assess saddle position on horses.
• To identify factors influencing the accuracy of saddle position assessment.

Main Methods:

• A survey presented 401 participants with photographs of saddles in correct, too-far-forward, and too-far-back positions.
• Saddle positions were objectively verified by three accredited saddle fitting professionals.
• Data was collected via social media snowball sampling over three weeks in 2021.

Main Results:

• Participants correctly identified saddle positions on average 58.25% of the time.
• Rider age, experience, and discipline did not correlate with assessment accuracy.
• Riders with prior professional saddle fitting experience demonstrated significantly better accuracy (60.8%) compared to those without (52.2%).

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of riders lack the ability to accurately assess saddle position, posing a risk to equine comfort and welfare.
• This knowledge deficit regarding fundamental equestrian equipment needs urgent attention.
• Addressing this issue is crucial for promoting ethical and sustainable equitation.