Tracy Turner, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, in discussing saddle fit, said, “Back problems are a significant cause of altered gait, poor performance, and misbehavior in the horse, particularly in English disciplines. The complexity of the back, its vertebrae, ligaments, and muscles can make diagnosing, imaging, and treating back problems very challenging. Musculoskeletal issues of other regions, particularly the hind limbs, can create secondary back issues; thus, a primary lameness must first be ruled out. Then the veterinarian should scrutinize the fit of the saddle as part of the diagnostic work. This basic diagnostic assessment is imperative before proceeding with more advanced diagnostics.”

Historical observations that indicate saddle and/or back problems might include resistance to saddling such as tail switching, girthiness, and/or ear pinning, Turner noted. “If the horse resists, that’s an abnormality,” he stated. Other possible behavioral indicators of saddle pain are resistance to mounting, unresponsiveness to the rider’s aids, and bucking.

The initial saddle fit examination begins with evaluation of the horse’s back, including a fingertip exploration of the entire area under the saddle to identify any bumps caused by friction or areas of localized pain or swelling, he said. Also, the horse should extend and flex his back willingly, and his vertebrae should be palpated.

Once this is done, saddle fit is subjectively evaluated. “The rider should be allowed to position the saddle and pad as he/she normally does,” Turner said. “Many place the saddle too far forward, where it can interfere with the scapula (shoulder blade), hurting that and the withers and tipping the saddle up so the rider sits too far back. Check the position of the saddle with the horse standing square. After the saddle is positioned, the examiner should grab the pommel and give a sharp tug down and back. If the saddle moves and ‘locks in’ it wasn’t positioned correctly. If it doesn’t move, then it was OK