Recognising, Understanding and Managing Saddle Slip

Recognising, Understanding and Managing Saddle Slip with Dr. Russell MacKechnie-Guire and Mark Fisher

Saddle slip can present several challenges in firstly recognising saddle slip and then how to manage saddle slip. Often the rider is cited as the primary cause, however it is essential that the primary cause is identified. This popular 2.5-hour webinar will discuss various causes of saddle slip from an evidence based perspective.

Causes such as:

• Hoof shape
• Lameness
• Laterality
• Shoulder asymmetry
• Forelimb length discrepancy
• Travelling

This webinar will discuss various tests which can be used to help determine if the primary cause is the horse, saddle, or rider. Once saddle slip has been identified this webinar will discuss how saddle slip can be managed and monitored from a saddle fitting perspective.

Modifications such as:

• Use and application of shims
• Asymmetrical flocking
• Girthing arrangements
• Girth design and structure

In the final part, the journey and time line, from first identifying saddle slip to resolution will be discussed along with the need for a team approach. This webinar is open to all and of interest to saddle fitters, coaches, trainers, riders, therapists, veterinarians.

For all attendees, CPD certificates available as well as a “view only” recording of the webinar with a 30 day 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.