Equine Symptomatic Lameness

The horse suffering from back pain or injuries can exhibit symptomatic lameness which can also manifest as behaviour issues including stubbornness or resistance. When the horse is displaying symptoms of lameness and logical treatments are not working the horses owner may turn to injections antiinflammatory creams or chiropractic adjustments at the sacroiliac joint. But by observing horse and rider at various gaits the horse owner may perceive another cause of lameness poor saddle fit.
Symptomatic lameness often appears as a problem in the right hind leg. 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. This unevenness can be easily seen by viewing the horse over its rump. 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. It can also be exacerbated as a result of the influence of domestication and training of the horse. Regardless of the origins this asymmetry has definite implications for saddle fit.

When the horse is in the crossties the average fitted saddle appears to fit well. A chain reaction starts when the horse moves beginning with a scapular rotation upwards and backwards. Saddles that are not adjusted to properly fit the larger shoulder will be tight and put more pressure on it. Additionally the larger shoulder will push and therefore twist the saddle to the right. This has further implications for the riders position and balance but this article will focus on the repercussions for the horse.
The shifting of the saddle to the right causes the left panel to impinge against the left side of the horses spine reducing proper function with resulting inflammation over the sacroiliac. This also occurs in the opposite direction although less often.
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 horses back. This may result in a subluxation at the sacroiliac joint and pelvic intersection causing a misalignment of the horses back. 
By 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