21st January 2021

Happy New Year from the Saddle Research Trust

Welcome to the first Saddle Research Trust newsletter of 2021. Whilst for many it has been an eventful start to the new year, we remain optimistic about the months ahead and look forward to keeping you up to date with the latest research surrounding welfare and performance of the ridden horse.

Pick of the Month

The Rider Weight Study Part 3: The influence of rider size on changes in equine back dimensions, muscle tension and pain.

Following on from the summaries for Part 1 and Part 2 of the Rider Weight Study, Part 3 focuses on the changes seen in back dimensions, muscle tension and muscle pain after being ridden by riders of different sizes during the study.

Potential factors for the changes were determined to include: the rider to horse bodyweight ratio alteration of back posture or movement as a result of overall increased force sub-optimal weight distribution for riders H and VH in saddles that were too small for them rider position, alignment and variation in techniques sub-optimal saddle fit to the horse

The results from this element of the study further support the key take home message; when larger riders ride, they should select a horse of appropriate size with a saddle that is optimally fitted to both horse and rider. Click here to read the full summary.

Safety Stirrup Research

On behalf of Dr David Marlin, Cambridge (UK) and Dr Jane Williams, Hartpury University (UK)   If you ride then falls go with the territory. One aspect of falls and injuries that is often speculated about but to date has not been properly studied is the role that the stirrups play in safety or risk of injury. The aim of the present survey is to collect data on RECENT FALLS (within the past 12 months) and to try and understand what factors related to the stirrups may increase or reduce the risk of injury in riders. PLEASE TAKE PART IF YOU HAVE HAD A FALL IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS!

* No personal data collected * 19 questions * ~4 minutes to complete * Results will be made public   Please click on the image to take part in the survey.

Pic of the Month

Annabel is a 5 yrs old purebred Shire horse owned by Sharon Tolley at Coloured Cobs Equestrian Centre. Annabel had a foal and then went to start her education with Stephen Thompson Equestrian. Sharon is passionate about making sure everything is done properly and the mare has the best start to her education. Stephen says that Annabel has been the most straight forward, quick thinking, generous horse he’s ever had in to train. The picture was taken on just Annabel’s third session under saddle. Anne Bondi, SRT Director says, “This is a lovely picture of a young horse showing a confident and positive attitude. Her ears are pricked, she is looking ahead with a relaxed expression and her head is up and vertical. She is showing a tremendous hindlimb engagement, carrying the rider easily. Stephen looks very comfortable!” (Photo: Stephen Thompson Equestrian) Do you own or ride a Happy Athlete? Send us a pic of your own happy athlete working on the flat and help make equine happy athlete images the benchmark for all trainers, riders and judges. Lead rein to 5* all are welcome! #srthappyathlete #aspiretothis #srt2021

Dates for the diary

30th June, 2021 Deadline for submission of conference abstracts 11th December, 2021 Saddle Research Trust 4th International Conference

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