Infrared thermographic imaging showing increased temperature in the region of the upper right sacroiliac joint due to sublaxation.īy understanding the key points of saddle fit, the horse owner can recognize the basics and help determine the causes of symptomatic lameness and how they can result in behavioural issues if the saddle fits poorly. This may result in a subluxation at the sacroiliac joint and pelvic intersection, causing a misalignment of the horse’s back. To compensate for the saddle twisting to the right against the spine, the rider leans to the left to maintain balance, causing increased pressure on left side of the horse’s back. This also occurs in the opposite direction, although less often. The shifting of the saddle to the right causes the left panel to impinge against the left side of the horse’s spine, reducing proper function, with resulting inflammation over the sacroiliac. It is obvious that a saddle with an incorrectly adjusted tree angle, incorrect tree width, or when its tree points are angled forward, as in this illustration, can cause potentially serious issues at the shoulder. Shoulder-blade rotation and movement during different foreleg motion. This has further implications for the rider’s position and balance, but this article will focus on the repercussions for the horse. Additionally, the larger shoulder will push and therefore twist the saddle to the right. Saddles that are not adjusted to properly fit the larger shoulder will be tight and put more pressure on it. A chain reaction starts when the horse moves, beginning with a scapular rotation upwards and backwards. When the horse is in the cross-ties, the average fitted saddle appears to fit well. Regardless of the origins, this asymmetry has definite implications for saddle fit.Ībove and Below: This saddle’s gullet channel is too narrow and the saddle has shifted to the left. It can also be exacerbated as a result of the influence of domestication and training of the horse. There are many theories concerning the natural asymmetry of horse musculature – some scientists think there is a natural genetic predisposition, or that it is due to the way the equine embryo grows in the womb. This unevenness can be easily seen by viewing the horse over its rump. We have found that horses with symptomatic lameness in the right hind fall into the majority of horses (70 percent) more strongly muscled on the left shoulder. Symptomatic lameness often appears as a problem in the right hind leg.
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