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In order to improve saddle fit and comfort for the horse, many equestrians use a saddle pad in addition to an ordinary saddle cloth or blanket. To date, only a few scientific studies have investigated if such pads lower the magnitude of pressure exerted on the horse’s back. The results of these studies are highly variable, presumably due to the different materials of the examined pads. The present study investigated the effect of five different, commercially available saddle pads on the mean pressure, the highest mean pressure, and the loaded area below the saddle, as well as the range of motion (ROM) of the centre of pressure (COP) on the horse’s back. Electronic saddle pressure measurements were carried out with eight horses ridden by the same person, using five different pads and a thin saddle cloth as control. Saddle pressure measurements were carried out at all gaits and on both reins, using the Pliance -S system (Novel). The results revealed that all tested pads except for the gel pad significantly lowered mean pressure below the saddle (range in reduction: 0.8 to 1.8 kPA) as well as in areas with the highest mean pressure, representing pressure points (range: 2.1 to 5.8 kPA). None of the pads increased pressure. The loaded area below the saddle was decreased slightly, but not significantly, when pads were used. The effect of the pads on the ROM of the COP was inconsistent; certain pads significantly increased this variable, but only at certain gaits. This may indicate a loss of stability in the horse-rider system, but if the magnitude of the observed changes is relevant needs further investigation. The results indicate that none of the investigated pads affected mean pressure in an unfavourable way and that the thicker pads may help to reduce the pressure acting on the horse’s back.

Ill-fitting saddles can impair the well-being and performance of horses. Saddle fit is generally assessed subjectively by a trained professional or with an electronic saddle pressure mat, but little is known about the agreement between both methods. The study aims were (1) to assess the prevalence of saddle fit issues in a riding sound Swiss horse population, (2) to investigate how well the subjective assessment correlates with objectively measured pressure magnitude and distribution under the saddle during riding, and (3) how well both correlate with back pain of the horse. Only 10% of the saddles were free of the assessed problems. Pressures exceeded clinically relevant thresholds in 15% of the horses. There was no clear correlation between back pain and pressure magnitude, but back pain was associated with certain subjectively assessed fit problems. Statistically significant associations between fit problems and the expected pressure patterns were found for panel angles, curvature of the saddle, width of the panel channel, and the waist of the saddle. There was no or limited association of pressure patterns with the balance of the saddle, width and angle of the tree head, or the symmetry of the panels. The results revealed that certain fit problems were reflected in the electronically measured pressure distribution and that the subjective assessment can therefore provide relevant information. Pressure magnitude showed only limited association with back pain, which indicates that there are other factors involved in the development of back problems in horses.