Can't find it online, but here's the salient points: The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) joined forces with the British Equestrian Federation in 2007 to purchase the latest pressure mapping system. from German company, Novel. Part ownership of the system has allowed the SMS to start to compile data collected from using the Pliance system.
One of the first, ongoing, assessments carried out is that of treeless saddles. To date the SMS have carried out two full days tests for treeless saddles. On both occasions the same horse and rider were used and the tests were carried out in the same indoor arena and therefore on the same surface. Four different types of treeless saddles were tested and, where it was advised by the manufacturer, the appropriate pad was used. The horse was walked, trotted (rising and sitting), cantered and jumped on both reins. Thus far, the information gathered has indicated that, without exception, there is no advantage to the horse in being ridden in a treeless saddle over a well-fitting traditionally made treed saddle. All of the saddles tested were found to exert pressure onto the horses spine under the rider, something that a well fitting, well balanced treed saddle does not do due to the tree distributing the rider's weight either side of the horse's spine. All of the saddles tested had high localised pressure points under the stirrup bars. This was improved, in most instances, when the saddle was ridden without stirrups or with single thickness dressage style leathers. Also tested was the effect of a different weight rider. The regular rider was substituted with a heavier rider, but while the second rider's actualy weight was greater, they could be described as having a "lighter" seat. The Pliance system showed that the pressure produced from a heavier, "lighter seated" rider was less than that of the lighter weight regular rider, thus indicating that the rider's style has an influence on the pressure exerted under a treeless saddle. In conclusion, the SMS have not found any advange in using a treeless saddle over a well fitting treed saddle and, it most cases, would consider the use of a treed saddle to be more beneficial to the well being of the horse. As stated previously, this is an ongoing collection of data and the SMS will continue to publish any new findings. More info on the Novel Pliance: http://www.novel.de/productinfo/systems-pliance-saddle.htm http://www.portailderecherche.ch/unizh/p4498.htm http://smartwalkers.com/newsflash.htm Mic (Michelle) Rushen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
