New study shows significant link

A new study has identified a significant link between hind limb lameness and saddle slip. The study shows consistent saddle slip in some horses with hind limb lameness, even when the lameness is fairly subtle and difficult to detect.

Saddle slip in sports horses is a well-recognised problem that can occur for a variety of reasons. The intention of the study was to find out bore about the interrelationships between the horse, saddle and rider and to document the frequency of occurrence of saddle slip in horses with hind limb lameness compared to other horses.

The research was undertaken by Line Greve, Intern, and Sue Dyson, at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket and was presented at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress last month. It is thought to be the first study of its kind, and was supported by the Saddle Research Trust (SRT).

128 horses were used in the study; the saddle consistently slipped to one side in 54% of horses with hind limb lameness, compared with 4% of horses with fore limb lameness, 0% with back pain and/or sacroiliac joint region pain and 0% of non-lame horses. Diagnostic analgesia was subsequently used to abolish the hind limb lameness and this eliminated the saddle slip in 97% of cases.

Sue Dyson said: “Our findings emphasise the need to educate owners, veterinarians, physiotherapists, trainers, riders and saddle fitters that saddle slip is frequently an indicator of lameness, not necessarily a manifestation of an ill-fitting saddle or asymmetric shape of the horse’s back. Detection of saddle slip provides an opportunity for the owner, riders and trainers to detect low-grade and subclinical lameness, with important welfare consequences.”