Saddle Pressure Distribution and its Relationship with Equine Locomotion and the Rider with Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire and Mark Fisher
Thursday 27th November 2025 @ 19:00 HRS GMT
Saddle Pressure Distribution and its Relationship with Equine Locomotion and the Rider
Over the past decade, our understanding of the importance of correct saddle fit has advanced significantly. However, one question that is often asked is: what happens beneath the saddle when a horse is being ridden? This NEW two-hour presentation will explore how saddle pressures are distributed across the horse’s back and how these pressures are influenced by the horse's limb and trunk movements during walk, trot, canter, and jumping.
While the saddle should support the rider, the rider themselves also has a direct impact on distribution of saddle pressures. In the second part of the presentation, we will discuss how factors such as rider skill, weight, stirrup length, and seating style affect saddle pressures. The session will provide in-depth insights into saddle pressure distribution with the use of saddle pressure videos, highlight potential risks of high-saddle pressure areas, and how to practically identify areas that are subject to focal pressures induced by the saddle, as well as offering practical strategies to optimise saddle fit for both horse and rider.
For all attendees, CPD certificates available as well as a “view only” recording of the webinar with a year video access pass. There will also be a Q and A session with ample opportunity to post questions via our interactive Q&A panel
Dr. Russell MacKechnie-Guire
Russell MacKechnie-Guire graduated from Warwickshire College in 2006 with a BSc (Hons) in Equine and Human Sports Science and now holds a PhD in Equine Biomechanics, graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2019. Russell’s thesis was titled ‘The Relationship between Saddle and Rider Kinematics, Equine Locomotion, and Thoracolumbar Pressures in Sports Horses’. Russell is based at Centaur Biomechanics, a company which he founded in 2006. He has extensively researched the effect that tack (saddle, bridle and girth) has on equine health and performance. Russell’s current area of research is horse-saddle-rider interaction, spinal kinematics in horses when ridden over ground and the effect that rider asymmetry has on equine back movement. In addition, Russell collaborates with researchers from around the world on various research projects associated with equine health and performance. He regularly presents his work at international meetings throughout the world and is a consultant for the British Equestrian Federations World Class, Team GBR programme. Russell is a member of the Team GBR’s Scientific Advisory Group, Society of Master Saddlers Scientific Advisory Group and chairs the horse+rider subgroup, part of the International Task force on Laterality in Sports Horses.
Mark Fisher, SMS RQSF
Mark Fisher left the King’s Troop RHA as the Master Saddler in 2004, after 22 years service. In the army, he competed in eventing where he reached intermediate level and in team chasing up to open level. He has also been involved in show jumping and hunts on a regular basis. Mark is a registered, qualified saddle fitter and regularly lectures and assesses for the Society of Master Saddlers. Mark was fortunate enough to be employed as the official Master Saddler of the London 2012 Olympic games. He also works in conjunction with the British Equestrian Federation on the World Class Programme, operating the Pliance saddle pressure system, which is owned by the British Equestrian Federation. He is also employed as an overseas trainer for the World Horse Welfare, working with working horses in developing countries.Mark is also co-author on multiple scientific saddle based research papers.
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