SADDLE PILOT STUDY A pilot study looking at

SADDLE PILOT STUDY A pilot study looking at the effect that 3 different panel systems has on the equine gait

Aim To investigate the effect that 3 different panel systems has on the equine gait To look at Fully Flocked, Half Flocked and Half Flaired and Full Flaired saddle panels

� � � Method 2 sound, fit horses were used with one experienced rider Reflective markers were attached to the horse identifying joint centres Horse was trotted along a designated track in both rising and sitting 3 different panel systems were fitted to the horse by a Sue Carson Saddle fitter The data was captured at 50 Hz using a 2 D motion analysis system – Quintic Biomechanics

� � � What we looked at…. Fore limb Protraction – Indicating shoulder movement Knee Flexion – Indicates fore limb flexion Hind Limb Protraction – Indicates power production Hock Flexion – Indicates hind limb flexion, energy / power Fetlock Hyperextension – Indicates force exposed to the limb during loading Following results are taken whilst rising to the trot

Horse 1 Greater Angle = Increased Power Fore Limb Protraction 21. 98 21. 23 19. 89 18. 78 17. 77 Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Left Flair Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Right Flair

Horse 2 Greater Angle = Increased Power Foe Limb Protraction 24. 43 23. 43 19. 90 19. 68 16. 23 Flock 16. 23 1/2 and 1/2 Left Flair Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Right Flair

Horse 1 Smaller Angle = Increased Flexion Carpal Flexion 104. 09 103. 89 98. 60 99. 02 98. 79 97. 17 Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Left Flair Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Right Flair

Horse 2 Smaller Angle = Increased Flexion Carpal Flexion 105. 78 104. 09 97. 89 96. 98 96. 23 95. 23 Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Left Flair Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Right Flair

Horse 1 Greater Angle = Increased Power Hind Limb Protraction 8. 96 8. 56 8. 00 5. 17 4. 48 Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Left Flair Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Right Flair

Horse 2 Greater Angle = Increased Power Hind Limb Protraction 10. 23 9. 99 9. 00 8. 90 4. 65 Flock 4. 23 1/2 and 1/2 Left Flair Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Right Flair

Horse 1 Smaller Angle = Increased Power Tarsal Flexion 123. 22 120. 64 118. 22 116. 71 116. 11 110. 81 Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Left Flair Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Right Flair

Horse 2 Smaller Angle = Increased Power Tarsal Flexion 123. 98 120. 33 117. 29 117. 23 112. 89 111. 23 Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Left Flair Flock 1/2 and 1/2 Right Flair

� Conclusion In all cases there was a difference between the flocked panels compared to the half flaired and fully flaired � The differences seen in this study show that there is a change in joint motion and energy production within the equine gait � On the basis of this pilot study it can be seen that the flaired panel system has a positive effect on equine movement � However as with all projects, further testing is required with a greater sample number and over a greater period of time – a longitudinal study would be advised

This project was commissioned by Sue Carson Saddles, UK For all publications and data please contact Centaur Biomechanics UK, info@centaurbiomechanics. co. uk All data and information is owned by Sue Carson Saddles, UK