Discussion

Greve, L., Dyson, S.J.
Aims: We have observed saddle slip consistently to one side on some horses. Reasons include a crooked rider, an ill-fitting saddle, asymmetry in back shape and lameness. Currently, there are no objective data assessing the relative importance of each factor. The objectives were to document the frequency of occurrence of saddle slip in horses with hindlimb lameness compared with other horses and to describe the effect of lameness characteristics and grade, the abolition of lameness by diagnostic analgesia, breed, type, size, thoracolumbar shape and symmetry and the rider's weight. Methods: Seventy-six horses were assessed prospectively and lameness grade and degree of saddle slip before and after diagnostic analgesia were recorded. The thoracolumbar back shape and symmetry were measured objectively. In a subset of horses the pressure distribution underneath the saddle was measured before and after diagnostic analgesia to provide objective validation of the observations. Results: The saddle consistently slipped to one side with 2 riders in 24/48 (50%) of the horses with hindlimb lameness, compared with 1/15 (0.07%) horses with forelimb lameness, 0/6 (0%) with back pain and 0/7 (0%) nonlame horses. The association between saddle slip and hindlimb lameness was statistically significant (rs 0.477 P = 0.000). Diagnostic analgesia abolishing the lamenesses also eliminated the saddle slip in 24/25 horses (96%). In one horse, with an asymmetric saddle, and bilateral forelimb lameness, the saddle continued to slip after resolution of lameness. The saddle slipped to the side of the lamest hindlimb in most horses (18/24 [75%]). No horse with saddle slip had significant left-right asymmetry of the back at 4 predetermined sites. Conclusions and practical significance: Hindlimb lameness is an important factor in inducing saddle slip. Saddle slip may be an indicator of the presence of hindlimb lameness. Acknowledgements: The Saddle Research Trust and Biosense Medical.