Dr. Cesar Parra Comments On "Saddle Slip" Study

PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 17, 2012

The condition known as saddle slip is quite common among athletic sports horses. A recent article published at Equine World UK reports a correlation between this condition and hind limb lameness. The link caught the attention of dressage competitor Dr. Cesar Parra who commented on the findings in a statement to the press.

According the article, a research study took note of 128 horses of different ages and breeds. Researchers recorded the degree of saddle slip for at least two riders per horse. They found instances of saddle slip in 54 percent of the animals with hind limb lameness. Horses with even minor cases of lameness in the hind limbs were notably affected by saddle slip, noted the article.

This is significant when considering only four percent of horses with fore limb lameness encountered saddle slip. Additionally, the article reports, none of the lame-free horses exhibited saddle slip. The study controlled for factors such as the occurrence of saddle slip among some riders more than others.

Dr. Cesar Parra commented: "I find this research extremely interesting, I have never heard of anything like this before, and I will definitely be looking into it. Of course, we always want our equine partners to be as comfortable as possible. If this could be a sign of an impending problem it is absolutely something to keep an eye out for."

The Saddle Research Trust supported the research study, thought to be the first of its kind, notes the article. This charitable organization exists to support research on the use of saddles as it relates to the well-being and performance of both horses and their riders.

The information in the article also reported saddle slip can result from the natural physical asymmetry found in a horse's back. Ill-fitting saddles that cause a rider to sit crookedly can also play a role. These factors were well known, but hind limb lameness was a new development.

The article notes Sue Dyson, Head of Clinical Orthopedics at the Centre for Equine Studies at the Animal Health Trust, spearheaded the study. She was assisted in her research by intern Line Greve. The results of the study were presented at the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress.

ABOUT:

Founder of Piaffe-Performance, Dr. Cesar Parra runs a full-service equestrian organization that is centered on classic German training methods. Through the instruction offered by his program, Dr. Cesar Parra teaches his students integrity, sharing, strength of character, self-control, perseverance, and courtesy. Dr. Parra instructs his students regarding communication with their horses and encourages them to build trusting relationships with their mounts.