All industry professionals urged to participate.
Saddle fitters are among the equestrian professionals being asked to take a survey on tack fitting.
Hartpury University's Equestrian Performance Research Centre has launched the research project to investigate experiences and opinions on saddlery fit for horse and rider.
The research team of Dr Kathryn Nankervis (Equestrian Performance Research Centre Lead), Dr Russell Mackechnie-Guire (Reader in Biomechanics Research) and Dr Jane Williams (Head of Research) are working with colleagues from the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS).
They are inviting equestrian professionals - including veterinary surgeons, physical therapists, coaches, saddle fitters, equine dental technicians and farriers - to take the survey.
The study will investigate how saddlery fit issues feature when equestrian professionals help horse-rider partnerships. It will also look at what influence referrals to other professionals, and some common tack fitting issues.
Dr Kathryn Nankervis said: “This research is hugely important as part of a wider goal in improving horse welfare, comfort and performance through better fitting saddlery.
“The results will be used by the SMS, and we’d encourage everyone who is working in the field to take part in the survey.”
The survey takes around ten minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous.
Find the survey here: https://uchartpury.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/equestrian-professionals-and-saddle-fit-2022-launch.
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Photo by Jez Timms
