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Veterinary Referral Scheme
Launched in 2006, the scheme is designed to facilitate all equine veterinary surgeons in the diagnosis, treatment and management of back problems in ridden performance and leisure horses.
The first centre to use the scheme was The Equine Centre at The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket.
Solution saddles are available for loan to equine veterinary practices and their clients on application to participate in case studies.
The length of the term of the study will vary for individual cases, based on veterinary recommendation.

“It has been my experience that some horses with back pain benefit tremendously by the use of The Solution treeless saddle.” (Dr. SJ Dyson 2006)

Dr Sue Dyson at the Animal Health Trust

“Clinical assessment of a horse with a performance related problem working in The Solution treeless saddle helps me to determine if such a saddle might benefit the horse long term, although this may take several days assessment to determine”

Sue’s main clinical interests are improving lameness and poor performance diagnosis by combining imaging techniques with comprehensive clinical evaluations. She has published extensively and lectured world wide on the diagnosis and management of orthopaedic injuries in the horse. Because Sue has also ridden at top national level in both eventing and show jumping and has produced horses that have subsequently competed at the Olympics and World Championships, she is in a unique position of understanding performance related problems from a rider and trainer’s point of view as well as that of a veterinary specialist.
The Equine Clinic at the AHT specialises in lameness and poor performance in horses from all disciplines, taking an integrated approach to diagnosis and management.

In one AHT case study, a horse that had appeared lame in front when ridden in its own saddle moved markedly better when The Solution was used and it was then possible to observe subtle hindlimb lameness.

Several case studies undertaken at the AHT have involved kissing spines syndrome (IDSP) and all have shown marked improvement with the use of The Solution saddle.

“…The horse was reassessed in The Solution treeless saddle and was more comfortable.
He was less strong, and had a better quality contact with the bit, working in a longer neck outline, less peacocky.  He generally seemed more relaxed.”

“…The horse was ridden bareback and no lameness was detectable.  The horse was then ridden with a saddle (the owner’s) and showed consistent right forelimb lameness on the right rein and a lot of resistances.
The horse was then ridden using The Solution treeless saddle.  The horse was prepared to stretch down much more by the head and neck and was less lame.”

“I have investigated a number of horses previously with forelimb lameness that is only apparent when ridden and in many of these have failed to reach a diagnosis.”

“…It is suggested that The Solution treeless saddle is tried to see whether use of this on a more prolonged basis results in any improvement.”

“ …A horse that had a weird history of plaiting in front as soon as it is tacked up, with intermittent forelimb lameness and sometimes not right behind. I have spent many days investigating but don’t have a definitive answer, but it does go much better in The Solution Saddle.”

Dr Sue Dyson MA VetMB DEO PhD FRCVS

In 1986 Sue was awarded the Richard Hartley Clinical Prize by the Equine Veterinary Journal. In 2000 Sue was awarded the British Equine Veterinary Association John Hickman Orthopaedic Award for outstanding contributions to equine orthopaedics. In 2005 Sue was made an Honorary Member of the British Equine Veterinary Association. She also received, together with Mike Ross, the American Publishers award for excellence in professional and scholarly publishing for ‘Diagnosis and management of lameness in the horse' in the Nursing and Allied Health Division. In 2006 Sue was a co-recipient of the Home of Rest Clinical Evidence Literary Prize awarded by the Equine Veterinary Journal.
Sue has competed in eventing and show jumping at a high level, and produced three horses to advanced level that subsequently competed at European and World Championships, and Olympic Games. She is a co-author of the standard veterinary texts on radiography, scintigraphy and lameness diagnosis and management in the horse, and is recognised as a world-class leader in her field.

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8 year old Thoroughbred X Gelding
The above horse was admitted to the Equine Centre on the 6th March 2006 with a history of resistant behaviour when ridden and reluctance to go forwards. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment and physiotherapy resulted in short term improvement. The owner also commented that at times the saddle tended to slip one way.

	Clinical examination revealed that there were several granulomatous-like swellings in the saddle region, especially on the right side. When examined moving in hand on a hard surface no lameness was detectable. The horse was reasonably forward going. Proximal and distal limb flexion tests of the hindlimbs did not alter the gait significantly. Distal limb flexion tests of the forelimbs also did not alter the gait. The horse was able to turn in small circles and to back without difficulty. When examined moving on the lunge the horse went freely forwards in trot. He appeared stiffer on the right rein compared with the left rein. The horse frequently became disunited in canter. When ridden by the owner the horse tended to forge constantly and exhibited poor hindlimb impulsion. He never really worked through the back and onto the bit. He was consistently on the forehand and became increasingly resistant in canter. He then started to break from canter to trot and then repeatedly stopped and bucked and kicked out. It was noted that the rider tended to sit to the left. The owner commented that the horse was much less resistant than normal and had previously refused to go forwards even in walk. A nuclear scintigraphic evaluation of the thoracolumbar and pelvic regions and hindlimbs was performed. There was moderate increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the summits of the dorsal spinous processes of the 12th and 13th thoracic vertebrae. Comprehensive radiographic examination of the thoracolumbar region revealed no detectable abnormality of the dorsal spinous processes, the facet joints and vertebral bodies and intervertebral disc spaces. The following day when ridden the horse showed right forelimb lameness on the right rein. There was also episodic napping with the horse stopping and refusing to go forwards. When re-evaluated later in the day again ridden the horse was much less resistant, but on the right rein showed consistent right forelimb lameness of variable degree. When mild the lameness looked typical of a right forelimb lameness, however when worse the lameness was characterised by raising of the head as the left forelimb was protracted. The horse was reassessed both in hand and on the lunge without a rider and no lameness was apparent. The horse was reassessed ridden and again showed right forelimb lameness on the right rein. It was noted that when first at the Animal Health Trust the horse consistently grunted when the girth was tightened. Nerve blocks of the right forelimb were performed in sequence: these produced no alteration in the lameness. On a subsequent occasion intraarticular analgesia of the right scapulohumeral joint and intraarticular analgesia of the right elbow joint did not alter the lameness. Ultrasonographic examination of the intertubercular bursae, shoulder musculature and tendon of insertion of infraspinatus was performed bilaterally. No abnormality was seen. Radiographic examination of the caudal 1/3 of the neck region, the cervicothoracic junction and the cranial ribs revealed no abnormality. Nuclear scintigraphic evaluation of the forelimbs and neck revealed no abnormality. The horse was reassessed clinically and no additional clinical observations were made. He was lunged with a saddle on and did not show lameness. Side-reins were applied quite tightly and the horse continued to move normally. The horse was ridden bareback and no lameness was detectable. The horse was then ridden with a saddle (the owner’s) and showed consistent right forelimb lameness on the right rein and a lot of resistances.
The horse could not maintain canter left.

The horse was then ridden using The Solution treeless saddle. The horse was prepared to stretch down much more by the head and neck and was less lame, although some degree of lameness was still detectable on the right rein.
Right forelimb lameness became apparent as a consistent feature only when ridden with a saddle on. Comprehensive investigation has failed to identify the cause of this right forelimb lameness and no other abnormality has been identified which might contribute to pain causing reluctance to work. I have investigated a number of horses previously with forelimb lameness that is only apparent when ridden and in many of these have failed to reach a diagnosis. The lameness has been characterised by abnormal lifting of the head and neck, sometimes making it difficult to determine which is the lame limb. It seems to be associated especially with movement of the shoulder region and the possibility of muscular or nerve damage on the axial aspect of the scapula must be considered. These areas are inaccessible to diagnostic imaging. It was therefore suggested that this horse is rested for 2 months whilst receiving treatment with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. During this period it might be worth lunging the horse on a regular basis in a Chambon or a Pessoa to encourage the horse to work in a round outline and maintain strength of the epaxial muscles in the thoracolumbar region. It is then suggested at the end of the 2 month period that ridden exercise is again attempted.
It is suggested that The Solution treeless saddle is tried to see whether use of this on a more prolonged basis results in any improvement.
Dr Sue Dyson MA VetMB DEO PhD FRCVS

Case History:
3 yrs - Backed & turned away.
4yrs - Restarted
5yrs - Competed young dressage horse classes.
6yrs - Started napping. Physio found nothing.
7yrs – Behaviour very bad & vet called. No sign of lameness, but did not evaluate ridden.
Prescribed physio, NSAIDs, 3weeks rest, followed by lunging.
Worked well for 1 month afterwards, then reverted to nappiness.
8yrs – Referred to AHT in March. 2 weeks investigation. 2mths off.
Referral by AHT to Total Saddle Solutions for fitting with The Solution Saddle.
May ’06: the horse was assessed and fitted with The Solution.
The conformation was slightly croup high, which was pushing the tree points of the owner’s saddle tightly into the back of the scapula. The tree was narrow and tight in the points.
Before commencing ridden work as a 4yr old, the owner reported that the back was symmetrical and roundly contoured.
In contrast, the back now has areas of muscle atrophy, giving the appearance of “plasticine pony syndrome” where the imprint of the saddle is clearly visible in the contours of the back. Because the horse is otherwise slightly overweight and carrying fat deposits over the topline, this effect is accentuated by saddle pressure pushing the subcutaneous deposits out from under the saddle area.

When assessed ridden:
Much more movement, forward, relaxed and swinging.
Obedient through all transitions and accepting contact.
Both horse and rider were straighter.
Stride length, regularity and impulsion were all notably altered, with an uphill posture and free shoulder movement.
There was no trace of nappiness.

Looking happier

Conclusion:
The horse is unable to perform in a treed saddle.
There is a possibility of muscular or nerve damage, which may be either long term or permanent.

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When examined moving in hand on a hard surface on the first day of examination the horse showed subtle left hindlimb lameness.  Distal limb flexion of the left forelimb did not alter the gait significantly, but distal limb flexion of the right forelimb induced mild left forelimb lameness.  Proximal limb flexion of the right hindlimb did not alter the gait, but proximal limb flexion of the left hindlimb slightly accentuated the left hindlimb unlevelness.  When examined moving on the lunge no lameness was seen.  There was some tension in the epaxial muscles. 
When ridden he was somewhat restricted in the movement of his back and did not engage the hindlimbs properly.  With progressive work he became less comfortable, with some unsteadiness in the head carriage and a tendency to stumble behind, especially with the left hindlimb.  These were consistent features whenever the horse was evaluated ridden. 

Radiographic examination of the thoracolumbar region revealed impingement and overlapping of the dorsal spinous processes from the 14th thoracic to 1st lumbar vertebrae inclusive, with areas of cortical sclerosis and subcortical lysis at the points of apposition.  Nuclear scintigraphic evaluation of the thoracolumbar and pelvic regions and hindlimbs revealed focal intense increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the summit of the dorsal spinous process of the 14th thoracic vertebra.  No other significant abnormality was identified. 

The horse was reassessed ridden and then local anaesthetic solution was infiltrated around the impinging dorsal spinous processes.  This resulted in a significant improvement.  The horse moved with increased swing through its back, stretched down better with the head and neck and had a better quality of canter.  The frequency of stumbling behind was markedly reduced. 

Rectal examination revealed no palpable abnormality.  Ultrasonographic evaluation of the lumbosacral joint per rectum revealed no abnormality. 

It was concluded that this horse’s primary problem was impinging and overriding of the dorsal spinous processes in the caudal thoracic and cranial lumbar regions.  Treatment options were discussed at length with the owner including local infiltration with corticosteroids and Sarapin, shock wave therapy or surgical treatment.  It was also pointed out that the horse would need to be ridden forwards positively and in an unrestricted way if the horse was going to show clinical improvement following treatment.  It was ultimately decided in the first instance to treat the horse by infiltration of corticosteroids and Sarapin around the impinging dorsal spinous processes.

 It is recommended that the horse is lunged daily for the first 2 weeks in a Pessoa or a Chambon in order to encourage the horse to work through its back in a round outline and go forwards loosely and freely.  This will in part help to reduce the tendency to stumble behind by facilitating breakover. 

It has been our experience that some horses with back pain benefit tremendously by the use of The Solution treeless saddle and a trial period could be arranged.

Ridden exercise may be introduced after 2 weeks of lunging and the horse should then be re-evaluated after a further 2 weeks. 

Case History:

Feb ’06: The horse was bought as a novice rider’s hack, without being vetted.
 The back pain was observed almost immediately, but 3 different physios made no lasting difference.
May:       Vet referred case to AHT.
              AHT referred case to Total Saddle Solutions for treeless saddle fitting.

June:      Horse was assessed and fitted with The Solution.
The horse was underweight with poor topline musculature development and showed lordosis typical of IDSP and other back conditions.

The horse had the obvious pot-bellied appearance and enlarged, tight brachiocephalic muscle, which is typical of poor posture and performance.	The back had extensive scarring to the top of the spine in the mid-saddle region, from T10 – T14 with soft tissue inflammation and sensitivity to both sides in the same area.

The dorsal muscles were extremely tight and sensitive to palpation.
The horse resented being tacked up and would become bargy and difficult to handle.

Ridden assessment:
After fitting with The Solution saddle, the horse was immediately more willing to move forwards, more relaxed and willing to stretch the topline.

The owner reported that the horse had improved from Day 1 in The Solution saddle. He has become easy to tack up.
In ridden work, the resentment, fear and panic have disappeared.
He has started to feel more alert, happier and is now hacking out very well. He has started also to feel fitter and the TB sharpness is beginning to become evident. Although he can react quickly, the owner never feels unbalanced or unsafe in the saddle – in fact she finds it helpful as she can move with him instead of being thrown off-balance.
In the school, he is working in a consistently round outline and his balance has improved, particularly to the right.
The physio has reported a big improvement in his overall condition and movement.
Templates of the tree point area were compared, showing an impressive 2cm gain in muscle bulk, despite no overall increase in bodyweight.

18 months after starting to use The Solution saddle – working happily and well muscle

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Animal Health Trust. Case Study - Kissing spines

10 yrs ID/TB gelding, owned since 2001.
All-rounder, PN level.

19.11.05 – First assessment.
Ridden in Ideal Event when first bought, but not free in shoulders.
Current saddles:
Hacks in Free & Easy GP, Albion dressage for schooling.
Not much difference in way of going between the two.
Condition:
Horse has changed shape in the last 5 years – now much narrower behind the shoulder.
Spine prominent across dorsal area, dropped and sensitive on left side.

Performance:
In own saddle - Sensitive, uptight and spooky. Easily distracted schooling. Carries saddle to left.
The Solution saddle:
Rider noticed less strain in lower back and became aware of how crooked the horse was.
Horse started to move slightly more uphill and straighter.

4.1.06 – The Solution saddle Initial Fitting
Has continued to be ridden in Free & Easy and Albion saddles.
Condition:
Has dropped topline since first assessment.
Spine more prominent. Very sensitive on left side of rear saddle area, with muscle spasm and nerve
twitching.
Cervical trapezius contracted.
Performance in The Solution Saddle:
Tense to start, but stride then started to lengthen.
Saddle carried level.
Improving trot rhythm and becoming more uphill in neck posture, although remained heavy in hand.

6.3.06 – Commencement of 6 month trial period in The Solution Saddle
Has up to this point continued to be ridden in Free & Easy and Albion saddles.
Condition: Dorsal muscle atrophy increased on left side with severe spasm.
Left side of pectorals tight and sensitive.
Will now be ridden entirely in The Solution saddle.

18.4.06 – First assessment of The Solution Saddle trial
Has done all ridden work for last month in The Solution saddles.
Condition:
Has gained weight overall, with improved topline.
Left dorsal musculature and cervical trapezius have increased bulk.
Performance:
Saddle sitting straight and rider is now straighter. Rider feels more “down and around horse” in the Solution Energist.
The working in period is now much shorter – it is easier to get the horse working better from the outset.
All the work shows improved shoulder action.
Canter right is much improved – uphill and balanced. Canter left is not yet straight, with a tendency to fall out.
Has started competing – excellent result at a horse trials.
Rider: now feels behind balance, with a chair seat, due to horse’s weight gain lifting the saddle.
The saddle was rebalanced and the rider made comfortable.
The rider had done last lesson in her old treed saddle as The Solution saddle not feeling quite right, but return to tree felt odd and perched, and it was not possible to feel the lateral crookedness.
In the Solution Jumper, the rider was also feeling slightly behind the balance and the saddle was refitted to produce an effective position with the rider able to ride forward in good balance.
Apart from the balance correction required, Alison says she loves every other aspect of the saddles.

22.6.06 –Review of The Solution saddle trial.
Has continued all ridden work in Solution saddles.
Condition:
Has continued to gain weight, now in excellent bodily condition.
Dorsal musculature is becoming more symmetrical.
Performance:
Improved contact and straightness. More relaxed and forward.
Rider: again starting to feel tipped back as the horse continues to develop.
The rider had added rear shims to improve balance, but this had put padding bulk under the thigh, and she was feeling the saddle too wide.
The saddle was rebalanced and the knee blocks changed to give an improved feel on the changed
shape of the horse.

21.9.06 – Final review
Has continued all ridden work in The Solution Saddles during the six month trial.
Condition:
Dorsal musculature almost level and now completely free of spasm – nerve twitches have disappeared.
Templates show good regeneration of the thoracic trapezius and latiissimus dorsi in the tree point area, with a larger increase in bulk on the left side of 1.5cm, representing growth of 2.5mm per month.
The cervical trapezius shows a similar regeneration, with again a greater increase on the left side.
Palpation of the back felt very good, with no areas of sensitivity to be found.
Performance:
The combination has worked consistently with the same trainer over the last 18 months and the
flatwork is now much better: suppler, more obedient, rhythmical, and consistent.
The trainer feels that “the horse now starts work sessions from a better place than 6 months ago.”
Rider: Feels that the horse is now ready to start work in a double bridle – the contact has improved dramatically, the medium gaits have developed and the horse really tries in the lateral work without finding problems.
The rider now feels she is able to do less and can concentrate more easily on improving her position and application of the aids for the more advanced work.
Competition:
Has done a PN horse trial successfully, and recently won a combined training competition.

Conclusion
After changing to The Solution Saddle, this horse has shown steady and consistent improvement in muscular development, athletic ability, performance and attitude over a six month period.
When correctly balanced, the rider finds the saddles comfortable and effective rider tools.

Jester’s back is now well rounded and nearly symmetrical	Freedom and expression in The Solution saddle

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Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre

The Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre is the original UK charity dedicated to the welfare of exracehorses.
Established in 1991 and gaining charitable status in 1993, the TRC is acknowledged as the leading specialist in rehabilitating and re homing thoroughbred ex-racehorses in need.
The TRC was founded by Carrie Humble, who remains the director, and whose work was recognised by her being awarded the MBE in the summer of 2003. The patrons of the charity are Sir Peter O’Sullevan CBE, Frankie Dettori, Lord Oaksey, the Marquess of Zetland, Charles Lawson, Peter Humble, Sarah Fisher, Anthony Head and Louise Owen.

Carrie Humble, MBE, founder and director of the TRC pictured with Hallo Dandy, winner of the 1984 Grand National and TRC resident 1994-2007.

“We breed them, we train them, we ride them, we stretch them to their limits, we bet on them, wesell them, we owe them – either a decent life or a humane exit.”

Approximately 3,000 horses can leave race training each year in the UK. Some of these talented horses filter into other equestrian fields but the majority end up in salerooms where there is no control over their destination. The TRC takes in ex-racehorses in need; a few come directly off the track from race owners or trainers, the rest come from private owners no longer able to care for or manage these special equines.
Some of the arrivals are traumatised or neglected, or carry high levels of pain, with back and mouth problems being particularly common. Many have behavioural or soundness problems. The TRC provides an environment of safety and experienced care where all these horses can be reeducated and rehabilitated. A team of dedicated professionals is employed to give every horse the best possible chance of success - the vet, farrier, dentist, physiotherapist and riding trainer all work closely together to diagnose and resolve the multitude of issues that are found. The horse is then started on an individual training programme to suit its needs to prepare both physically and
mentally for re-homing with a suitable TRC loaner. Once TRC horses are re-homed they are monitored for life.

The Solution saddle at The TRC
Solution saddles is proud to be associated with such a high profile charity as the TRC whose passion is for horse welfare. This is The Solution’s reason for starting our company – the welfare of the horse. We believe that saddle issues are not only poorly understood, but that they are one of the biggest welfare issues of our time. It is essential that we work together to raise awareness of back, saddle and performance issues in order to promote a better understanding worldwide, and also to continue to research and develop our range for the good of the horse.
The treeless Solution Saddle has proved itself to be a very valuable tool in the retraining and rehabilitation process at the TRC.
Julie Robinson, BHSII is the resident trainer who supervises the work programme for all the horses. She has used the saddle extensively, with particular success where there have been existing back or attitude issues.

This thoroughbred arrived with extensive trauma to his back. He was very fidgety to mount and habitually “boiled up” particularly in canter.
The back shows a prominent wither with severe muscle atrophy in the tree point area. A large bursal enlargement can be seen towards the rear of the saddle area.

Julie says, “ This horse has taken very well to The Solution Saddle and it has helped him enormously in his rehabilitation. His previous owners were astounded at how well he is looking and working. He is more responsive, feels freer, not as twitchy at his wither or as swishy in his tail.” She continues: “There has been a marked improvement in the way of going of all the horses on which we use The Solution Saddles.
The saddles have been a tremendous help when dealing with the problems that we routinely encounter in retraining ex-racehorses.
The horses free up in their backs and consequently have fewer back problems.
We are now seeing some really positive results where there have been existing or chronic problems. Much of the time, the problems remain in the memory of the horse, but with the treeless saddle, they feel the difference straight away, and quickly learn to trust that it will not hurt or restrict them.”
When loaners first come to the TRC they have a ridden assessment in order to determine their level of experience and to match their ability with a suitable horse. They ride this schoolmaster on The Solution Saddle and always remark on its comfort and the unusual feeling of being directly connected to the horse’s movement through The Solution Saddle – a connection they do not feel with their conventional saddles.
Carrie Humble, MBE, founder and director of the TRC says:
“I have an intense dislike for heavy rigid saddles and as so many horses arrive at the Centre with chronic back problems it is wonderful to be able to work with a light, supple saddle that allows the horse and rider such freedom of movement and connection.”

If you would like to find out more about the long term loan of a TRC horse, or would like to donate to this very worthwhile cause, please visit their website www.thoroughbredrehabilitationcentre.co.uk

Monty – one of the success stories of the both TRC and The Solution saddle.	Rocky (Leopard Rock) was rehabilitated for a year in The Solution before being successfully rehomed.
Supply and Demand has been ridden exclusively in The Solution since 2006.

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	Since Clare has been riding Jack with The Solution Saddle she has found it far more comfortable than his previous 'treed' saddle. Her legs are in a better position and she finds it easier to keep in rhythm with his trot. Jill Thomson, Highland Group RDA.
Clare and Jack.

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Highland RDA Group - Partial paraplegia

After an operation for a brain tumour, I have been left with partial left sided paraplegia with cerebral VP shunt, deafness, sight defect and impaired balance. For every rider, a saddle needs to be comfortable and likewise, it should never be ill fitting for your equine ‘companion’. ‘The Solution’ saddle has a lovely design: simple and neat with real shape which in my opinion helped me to feel more ‘centred’ when using it. I use it regularly when riding my favourite pony, a 14.2HH Norwegian Fjord, whilst schooling, having lessons and competing in dressage. As a disabled rider, I certainly appreciate how secure and well placed it makes me feel in this saddle. It also helped to complete our smart look during our dressage to music display at the prestigious 3-day event at Blair Castle. I’ve also observed others using it too: whatever size and shape of the horse it looks ‘right’ and riders seem to naturally position themselves into a relaxed and comfortable looking, classic position. This has got to be a good thing for novices and experienced riders alike. In my opinion at least, once used this saddle speaks for itself. Not only will it look good and take you anywhere, your horse will appreciate it too. Julie Ashby

Julie and Freya

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Highland RDA Group - Partial paralysis

I started riding with the RDA at the end of 1995 after a virus left me with partial paralysis resulting in no skin sensation form the waist down and total paralysis in my lower limbs. Since using The Solution Saddle, I have found it much easier to sit to the trot and am not thrown about as I sometimes have been on a horse with a particularly bouncy trot. I’ve also noticed the horse is far quicker ‘off the aids’ than when using a traditional treed saddle. The Solution is extremely comfortable to ride in. Initially I wondered if I would feel insecure, but quite the opposite: the feeling is of security and balance; my legs seem to be in a better position than usual as well. In addition to riding Rufus, I’ve tried The Solution with other horses and have been delighted with it.

Jill Thomson and Rufus

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Highland RDA Group

David has a number of difficulties and it is interesting to see the difference Helen, his carer, has noticed when David rides using the Solution Saddle. David has been horse riding with the Highland Group for a number of years and thoroughly enjoys it; it helps to maintain his fitness and he has a great rapport with Jack, the horse he rides. Helen has been taking David riding for 7 months now and has noticed the improvement in his balance and posture whilst riding in the Solution Saddle. Due to David having no sight it is imperative that he maintains good balance and posture while riding and Helen thinks that the saddle is definitely of great benefit to him, in particular the shape of the knee rolls. Since riding with the Solution saddle David has been riding outside a lot more and has also been attempting small jumps. He recently took part, and did very well, in a ‘Handy Pony’ competition held to raise funds for the group.

David MacConnachie riding Jack, with Helen, David’s carer.

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Crackenthorpe Jamboree (Tom) is a 15.3 homebred Warmblood gelding Owned by Susan and Clare Chappelhow from Crackenthorpe Stud.

One day in January 2006, Tom was found in the field with a massive tear to his shoulder. Somehow he had ripped right through the layers of superficial and deep shoulder muscles exposing the bone of the scapula; a deep wound, 122 long and 8” wide, probably with associated nerve damage as well. The vet suspected that the bone had been chipped and that euthanasia would be the kindest option. He did not believe that he would ever be sound again. “We thought it was the end of the road for Tom” said Clare.

But the Chappelhows were determined to give Tom every chance of recovery and embarked on a long rehabilitation programme. With his special, bubbly and kind personality, he just deserved the best.
As an Equine Massage Therapist, I began to treat Tom as part of this plan, along with Lucy Crow, Equine Osteopath, who also visited regularly. We both noticed that, although he was recovering well, he was beginning to use himself unevenly; there would be tightness in his off-hind to compensate for the extra work that the near shoulder was doing in supporting the injured shoulder.
Gradually his shoulder muscles began to atrophy and his shape became increasingly asymmetrical.
Tom was ridden in a Solution treeless saddle which was able to constantly flex and mould to his movement, allowing him freedom to change his shape and redevelop his musculature.
For Clare and Susan The Solution saddle was the only option for him. No other saddle would do the job that he needed. A treed saddle would only have created more atrophy and the last thing they wanted to do was to impede his action. Gradually, Tom started to go well enough to begin competing again.

Crooklands	British Dressage with Jumping Championships

He was level and sound.
People who saw him could not believe that he had recovered at all, let alone was working so well.
Within five months of his injury, he had won a Medium affiliated dressage competition, been placed at the British Dressage Championships and qualified for The Horse of the Year Show.

The British Dressage Championships	The Great Yorkshire Show

In 2008, Tom started to event at Advanced level again, regaining his qualifications and aiming for a CCI***. Susan is convinced that The Solution saddle has been a major part of his success. “He won’t have anything else on his back – no other saddle can do the job.”
Clare says, “There is no way this horse would be working under a saddle at all, if it was not for The Solution.”
At Crackenthorpe Stud, the Chappelhows now use Solution saddles for all their horses as they find they achieve the most effective performance with them.

Ridden Sports Horse Championship, The National Showing Championships	Petplan Open Medium Dressage Championships

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Comparison of biomechanical changes between a traditional treed saddle and a Solution saddle.
Significant differences in neck length were observed between the treed and the treeless saddle, with the neck length being longer in the treeless saddle. This may suggest that the treeless saddle was associated with increased movement of the back.
Observations appeared to show increased stretching of the neck with lowering of the head and neck which supports the assumption that neck length is increased when the head and neck are lowered.
The video data also appeared to show more engagement of the hindlimbs with the treeless saddle with more horses “tracking up” (hind hoof falling in the same place as the fore as opposed to slightly behind).
Other observations included the tendency for the horses to perform more in an “outline” with the head more vertically aligned and carried lower in the treeless saddle.

Neck length with treed saddle in trot	Neck length with treeless saddle in trot

The research has shown that The Solution saddle appears to improve the movement of the back shown with an increase in neck length, suggesting that the treeless saddle may be a useful alternative to a treed saddle.

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	Muffin, ID x TB mare, 15.3. 18 yrs. Hunter. Muffin has a long history of changing ownership and being a very difficult ride – she is strong and prone to rushing, often in an uncontrollable panic. Although her conformation is relatively good, she has a marked pain response throughout the dorsal area. There is a pronounced extension (dip) in the back with severe muscle atrophy in the saddle area.
	A “razor back” – a very prominent spine with little muscle support in the saddle area. The skin and hair pattern show friction rubs, lumps, hair loss and discolouration. The left side is very hollowed behind the shoulder, in the tree point area.
	The right side of the back reveals even more lumps and rubs. In the mid-waist region of the saddle, there is a torque point seen as raised and thickened skin on top of the spinal processes. There is inflammation on the right side of the wither in the stirrup bar area, suggesting that the tree has been twisting and tilting onto the left side of the back.
	Fitted for the first time in a Solution Saddle Muffin at first takes off in her usual style, pulling the rider out of balance. Her mouth opens as she braces and shortens her neck, tightens her back down and clamps her tail. The knee and hock action is high, jerky and concussive.
A short while later, although still strong, Muffin stops running away and allows the rider to sit on her back. The neck is no longer braced and the back action is improving – seen here by a lifting of the abdomen. There is the beginning of confidence, but Muffin has a long way to go – watch this space…

One week later…

… a calm and willing horse

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I am an adult member of the RDA who rides as an individual and enjoys hacking and dressage. I am also taking my first tentative steps to competing in BHS TREC competitions. I have had rheumatoid arthritis all my adult life and am under strict instructions not to fall off. The Solution saddle on loan to the Highland Group RDA suits me very well. It has a deep, secure seat with knee rolls – all very helpful in keeping me on board! Furthermore having had both hips replaced I have little fat or muscle under my seat bones and find this treeless saddle more comfortable to ride in than the treed equivalent. I can also be confident that the saddle is causing Shuna no back problems - she has a wide, flat back with low withers and treed saddles tend to make her sore. Thank you Solution Saddles!

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Centaur Biomechanics 10.10.08
Study Aim:
To investigate the comparative differences between a traditional English treed saddle and the Solution saddles.
Results:
Showing the differences between left and right rein trials.
The higher the number, the greater the difference, or asymmetry, seen in the horse’s movement between the left rein and the right rein
– All variables shown record greater asymmetry when using the traditional English treed saddle.

Forelimb flexion

Peak carpal flexion is when the carpal joint is most flexed during swing, indicating the degree of flexion.

Fetlock motion

One of the most critical and useful variables to evaluate in any locomotory assessment is the degree of fetlock hyperextension.

“When considering the above data, it can be seen that there was a positive change in joint motion when the Solution Saddle was used compared to the traditional English treed saddle.
The most pleasing of all is the change in fetlock hyperextension, as there was a significant decrease in the difference in left and right fetlock motion when using the Solution Saddle compared to the traditional English treed saddle.
The Solution Saddle has performed very well during this investigation.”
Russell Guire, Centaur Biomechanics

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	In canter, the horse moves very croup high, pushing its centre of mass over the weight bearing forelimb, which moves behind the vertical. This causes loss of balance and a “downhill” gait. The effect on the rider is a corresponding loss of balance and gripping up of the leg.
	The horse has difficulty maintaining the canter and loses the moment of suspension as the gait becomes four-time. The neck is then braced in an attempt to continue without further loss of balance. The rider is increasingly insecure as the horse leans on the hand.
	Finally, in an effort to regain balance, the rider stands up out of the saddle and places all the weight in the stirrup.

On examination, the horse reveals a very weak topline with an exceptionally prominent wither and dorsal spine – a razor back.

There was a sharp pain response on palpation of the dorsal spinal processes. Fibrous swellings can be seen in the pommel arch and tree point areas.

There was extensive muscle spasm in the dorsal musculature which was extremely sensitive to palpation, particularly on the left side.

The horse was fitted with a Solution Energist and within a short time was working with a marked improvement.
The neck posture is no longer braced, leading to an soft acceptance of the contact.
Whilst still slightly croup high, the balance is consistent and the horse is lighter on its feet.
The swinging stride has less knee action and covers more ground.

The effect on the rider is immediate: alignment of posture giving a balanced, independent and much more effective seat.

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