22/05/2022
It bears repeating...
Saddle length is a hugely important component when assessing saddle fit and a saddle that is too long can have so many detrimental effects that can manifest as lameness, bad behavior and more.
Some of the issues caused by a saddle that is too long are:
- Bucking
- Lateral walk
- 4 Beat canter
- Saddle slip
- Muscle Atrophy
- Inability to pick up canter/get certain leads
- Hollow back
- Kissing spine
- Broken spinous processes
- Broken transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae
When a saddle is too long it sits on the lumbar vertebrae. The biggest difference between the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae is that the thoracic vertebrae are connected to the ribs and have an additional support structure whereas the lumbar do not. The transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae come straight outwards and are extremely delicate - easily injured by the concussion of saddle and rider when the saddle is not fitted properly.
Additionally, a saddle that is too long also blocks the movement of the back which is why many horses will be unable to pick up certain canter leads, or the canter all together. They will also buck to try and relieve the pressure off the lumbar - where many think bucking is simply bad behavior, it is, more often than not, a reaction to pain.
With longer saddles, riders typically sit further back, especially if they are not in a gender appropriate saddle. This only exacerbates the issue as there is now excess pressure behind the last thoracic vertebrae, to which the horse will react by dropping and tensing their back. They can no longer move softly or utilize their body appropriately to carry the rider and thus causes additional stress on not just the back, but now also the legs and other parts of the body.
Unfortunately, a huge majority of the saddles we see are far too long for the horse and the consequences of the incorrect fit are obvious.
