Abstract
Abstract The saddle is a particularly important piece of equipment when it comes to training horses. Any problem with this, or in its adjustment, can cause discomfort, pain and injury to the horses. The aim of this study was to analyze Australian saddles thermographically, in a quantitative way by quadrants, performing a primary detection of how pressure distribution occurs in Australian saddles commonly used in Mangalarga Marchador (MM) gaited horses during a basic riding course, in order to signal whether there is a need for a more complete assessment of saddle befitting this type of activity. For this purpose, ten similar Australian saddles used by ten MM horses were thermographically evaluated during a basic riding course. Thermographic images were obtained from the ventral face of the saddle before and after one hour of exercise. The images were divided into 9 quadrants and compared quantitatively before and after the ride. Quantitative analysis by quadrants including 3 central quadrants for assessing the gullet region was effective, providing the necessary detail for data analysis. Inappropriate contact of the gullet region with the animal’s back was demonstrated in 100% of the saddles, with the central quadrant of the gullet being the most affected, indicating the inadequacy of this type of saddle for MM in this activity. Therefore, there is a need for a more complete assessment of saddle befitting an Australian saddle type to this equestrian activity, aiming at improvements in animal welfare.
Highlights
The objective was, using quantitative thermographic analysis by quadrants, perform a primary detection of how pressure distribution occurs in Australian saddles commonly used in Mangalarga Marchador horses during a basic horseback riding course, in order to point whether there is a need for a more complete assessment of saddle befitting this type of activity
Using thermographic images of before and after the exercises, a temperature increase (p
Greater pressure can be noticed in the entire gullet region in relation to the three regions evaluated, with the central quadrant area C2 in the gullet region the point of greatest overload, followed by the
Summary
Due to the expressive herd, the qualification of the workforce is necessary both for dealing with animals and for the equipment production. In this context, saddlery is one of the branches that stands out, moving around 176.4 million reais per year(1). The Brazilian horse breed Mangalarga Marchador (MM) is widespread throughout the national territory. It is characterized by the comfort of its marcha gait, which provides a wide range of activities performed by these animals, such as gait championships, exhibitions, horse riding, sports and leisure. With 600 thousand registered animals(2) and a great tendency for the proliferation of the animal herd destined for leisure, there is a growing concern among the owners of these animals’ regarding the learning of new riding techniques and the acquisition of new equipment that guarantee the rider’s safety and the horse’s well-being
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