Preparation is Key for Optimum Back Health

Preparation is key – ensure optimum back health for both horse and rider.  Now is the ideal time for a pre-championship review to ensure you, your horse and your saddle are all in peak condition to maximise results.

The importance of understanding the complex interaction between horse, saddle and rider to increase health, safety and performance was highlighted by key note speakers at the 2014 Saddle Research Trust International Conference:

“Early recognition of an ill-fitting saddle may provide an opportunity for owners, trainers and veterinarians to reduce the risk of compromised back movement, development of back pain, muscle atrophy and deterioration in performance because of an ill-fitting saddle.” ~ Dr Sue Dyson
Findings from recent studies  showed that ill-fitting saddles are linked to rider back pain – ‘’38% of riders reported back pain and in the clinical assessment this was associated with ill-fitting saddles‘’(Saddle fit and management. Dyson, S and Greve, L, 2014.)

The need for regular saddle-fit reviews in relation to seasonal changes in back shape and the implication for saddle management was also discussed. Dr Sue Dyson explained that saddle fit should be frequently checked: “Saddle-fit should ideally be reassessed professionally several times a year, especially if there has been a change in work intensity.”

Solution Saddles recognise the need to make easy adjustments to saddle fit in order to accommodate changes, both short term and long term. Our fully flexible SMART™ saddle design allows for quick, easy changes throughout the year.

Professor Lars Roepstorff focused on the importance of rider fitness, core strength and balance in order to be an effective partner to your horse. Consider your own warm-up before getting on board and if you have a therapist out to keep your horse’s back in top condition, don’t forget to take the same care of yourself!

Visit Solution Saddles at the Trailblazers Championships to pick up a copy of the full article, discuss your saddle requirements and find out more about our flexible fitting solution.

"When choosing a saddle, do your homework - talk to the saddle manufacturer and designer ... if you can’t, don’t buy. You must know how whatever you strap onto the horse’s back will behave on the horse’s back."  ~ Anne Bondi, SMART saddle designer

To find out more about SMART™ saddles visit www.solutionsaddles.com
To read more about the key speakers and research presented at the SRT International Conference 2014, please visit the Saddle Research Trust website.