Horse Structure & Movement
Over time we will be adding lots of information on how the structure and movement of the horse affect saddle fit.
Spinal flexibility in the horse
A scientific paper from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies at the University of Saskatchewan clearly demonstrates that the horse's spine flexes:
- Very little vertically, with most vertical flexion coming from the lumbar/sacral joint, important for collection.
- More so laterally with most coming between the 9th and 14th rib, just where the riders leg sits.
- With most twist between the 7th and 16th rib.
Ref: Kinematics of the equine thoracolumbar spine; Townsend H. G. G., Leach D. H. and Fretz P. B.; Equine Vet. J. (1983) 15 (2), 117-122
Some directly accessible graphically illustrated information on equine spinal flexibility can be studied at Dingos Breakfast Club - well worth a look as the illustrations below, taken from the site, very clearly show.
With kind permission from Nancy Nicholson, Ph. D |
With kind permission from Nancy Nicholson, Ph. D |
