[RC] Saddle Fit is the Management of Pressure - Robert Ferrand
David,
We are there, the Mk I I Saddletech
Computer System will read to a USB memory stick. Now the GPS link idea is a bit
over the top. A video link would be more valid and it will be available in the
near term. What would be more relevant is to understand the problem of saddle
fitting from a physiological perspective. So let’s be sure we solve the correct
saddle fitting problem.
Your reference to “spikes” of pressure in
the data reveals one of Saddletech's greatest strengths. This company cut it
teeth on research at Stanford on the "Effect of Pressure on Blood Flow Mammalian
Tissue". Our original focus was pressure sores on humans. We probably have the
largest collection of peer review clinical research on this subject that you can
ever find outside of any major medical university or the Library of Congress,
but you will have to dig it out, yourself ......the hard
way.
That said:
Saddle Fit is the Management of Pressure.
There is no way to eliminate the pressure under the saddle, nor is there any
need to. There is only a need to
understand what the horse's tissues need to remain healthy. With that
knowledge we can learn how to “intelligently” administer pressure to the horse's
back.
As a practical matter, if we do not see any damage to the horse we assume that
the saddle fits, but is that an accurate assumption? A rider and tack usually
represent 15% to 20% of the weight of the horse when standing, in motion the
rider's downward force (moment) can represent 25% to 50% of the weight of the
horse - which is a significant force applied perpendicularly to the spine of the
animal. The question remains: what is the
physiological effect of the saddle and rider on the horse?
To understand what might be a good saddle fit, we need
to understand the "Issue" with
saddle fit in the first place. Skin and
muscle tissue require a constant intermittent flow of blood to remain
healthy. In strenuous exercise the muscles require significantly more blood
flow to maintain a healthy metabolism. This exchange of oxygen and waste
products occurs in the capillary bed.
The saddle fitting problems occur when the saddle causes continuous
excessive pressure on the capillaries that exceeds the blood pressure and
structural strength of those vessels and the capillary vessels
collapse.
This collapse leads to the deprivation of oxygen and nutrients brought by fresh
blood and the removal of waste products.Capillary closing pressure is
the Critical Issue in preventing saddle-related trauma and improving the
performance of the horse's muscles under
saddle.
One
can observe that as external pressure increases the blood flow reduces. What is
most notable is that pressures as low as .25 P.S.I. or 4 ounces can reduce flow
by as much as 60%. This is a significant point when related to saddle fit,
especially with a bridging saddle that does significantly increase pressures.Serious saddle
fitting problems develop particularly on "bridging" saddles in a relatively
short amount of time because pressures can easily reach 4 P.S.I or 64 ounces.
This excessive pressure not only cuts off the blood supply but can additionally
traumatize the muscle tissue itself.
A critical discovery in tissue research was
that in a given location, pressure is not even throughout the tissue.
Clinical studies have established that the internal pressure close to bones is
three to five times higher than on the surface. This become significant when
addressing the saddle fitting issue, because if your detection devices are
unable to detect this subtlety, you can easy start barking up the wrong tree.
The old garbage in garbage out story.
Now
to cut to the chase, the real issue with saddle fit is not “SPIKES” as you
suggested. The tissue can handle spikes. This is why you do not have bedsores.
During the night you personally have pressure “spikes” on your body that could
“technically” cause bedsores. Why don’t you have any bedsores. Bingo, You toss
and turn at night. Hello. This is beginning to make sense, eh
what?
The
problem with the saddles is “Bridging”. The bridging saddle does not allow the
pressure to be relieved. THAT IS WHAT CAUSES THE SADDLE FIT PROBLEM. So devices
like the Port Lewis System can determine the GROSS ERRORS, but when you can
cause a saddle fitting problems at 2 pounds per square inch. You really do need
better instruments to really make an intelligent and valid observation. With all
do respect, Sir
