This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Training & Conditioning Horses » Tack and Training » Types of Saddles and Fitting »
  Discussion on Research Study: Lesions Associated with Tack Characteristics
Author Message
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 - 10:13 am:

Here is a fascinating report comparing various types of strapping used to support tourists on the back of burros. Its application to choice of girth and padding materials seems relevant though the findings are not conclusive. In general tight fitting non padded synthetic straps were associated with fewer lesions than padded cotton straps. Clean straps was also associated with decreased lesions when compared with dirty. As the commentary notes, it is hard to rule out that perhaps padded straps are switched to when lesions develop. This agrees with my own experiences. We have used synthetic girths and pads for over a decade now and rinse them thoroughly following every ride. Despite some very long rides we do not see irritated backs or girths.

Vet J. 2008 Nov;178(2):263-71.
Risk factors for strap-related lesions in working donkeys at the World Heritage Site of Petra in Jordan.

Burn CC, Pritchard JC, Farajat M, Twaissi AA, Why HR.

University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK. charlotte.burn@worcester.oxon.org

A risk analysis was undertaken in an attempt to improve improvised rump straps on donkeys carrying tourists at the World Heritage Site at Petra, Jordan. Tail-base lesions were identified in 63 of the 86 donkeys. Observations and questionnaires were used to collect data relating to the straps, donkey health and human attitudes. The worse lesions were associated with padded rather than unpadded straps, if tightly fitted. Padding could be a cause of, or a response to lesions, but results suggest that it did not effectively aid healing. Significantly worse lesions occurred with unclean than with clean straps and, contrary to many recommendations, cotton straps were associated with worse lesions than were synthetic straps. Since this was an exploratory study, findings should be considered to generate (not to test) hypotheses and any resulting interventions will require monitoring. Further possible risks are discussed, referring to medical and veterinary literature and applied expertise in working equines.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC