Riders called on to help research into saddle slip

The Animal Health Trust (AHT) is conducting new research into the relationship between horse, saddle and rider to help improve the health and welfare of ridden horses.

In particular, equine vets at the trust are aiming to improve understanding of why the saddle may persistently slip to one side in some horses.

"Saddle slip is a problem seen in all sorts of horses and ponies and can contribute to back pain and thus impaired performance," says Line Greve, PhD student and co-author of the study.

"Research suggests that 25 per cent of British dressage horses have a history of back-related problems and subsequent reduced performance."
An anonymous online questionnaire has been launched and the AHT is appealing for riders to participate.

The questions cover saddle types, fitting, use and maintenance, as well as previous back-related problems, rider experience and training.

Mr Greve added: "Our preliminary studies involve just over 700 riders but for a more accurate picture we would like to bump this figure up to 1000 plus."

Results are expected to be presented at the Saddle Research Trust Conference in 2014.

Click here to complete the questionnaire.