- The epidemiologic study shall provide an overview on back health and saddle fit in the Swiss riding horse population. Type and frequency of clinical symptoms, of ultrasonographic and radiographic changes and of saddle fitting faults shall be described.
- The correspondence between the study’s assessment results and the rider’s/trainer’s perception shall be tested.
- The interrelationship between the clinical findings and the radiographic and ultrasonographic findings shall be investigated.
- The interrelationship between the clinical findings and the saddle pressure measurement assessment shall be investigated.
- The interrelationship between the clinical findings, judgment of rider skills and health and the riding style shall be investigated.
- The interrelationship between the clinical findings and gait analysis results shall be investigated.
Based on these conclusions, objective criteria for the assessment of back problems and guidelines for good practice in schooling and managing sport horses will be developed in order to sensitize horse owners for the interrelationship between horse, saddle and rider. The comparison of the horse owner’s perception and the clinical appearance promotes the relevance of an awareness campaign. The results will be integrated into both, the training of professionals (saddlers, veterinarians, riding instructors, trainers) as well as the education of lay people. The interrelationship between the clinical findings and the assessment results of interfering variables saddle fit, riding style and rider skills/health will help to refine the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with back pain.
