Inspiritus Equine, Inc.
Integrated Soundness Solutions (sm)
...Reveal the Equus Within!
Dr. Joanna Robson, DVM, CVSMT, CMP, VA, SFT
707-738-7110
Examine the photo above. Imagine a line down the center of the horse's spine.
Now look at the dust pattern created by riding without a saddle pad. This is a
useful technique to determine whether or not a saddle is centered or falling to the
side.

This horse was adjusted regularly, and held the majority of his adjustments.
However, he had significant pain along his LEFT and RIGHT lower spine and
lumbars, that would not resolve.  The saddle was checked initially and determined
not to fit, but financial issues prevented an immediate substitution.  After he was
holding all his adjustments, but the muscle pain remained in his lower back, the
horse's hocks were injected and stifles checked, and he had significant
improvement. But eventually, the pain would return and his way of going was
becoming sour.

Dust-patterning shows the saddle falling to the left from a larger right shoulder
muscle, but the cantle is twisting against the left low spine. The horse had
SIGNIFICANT pain along the paraspinal muscles and ligaments in this area.

Video was obtained as part of a complete saddle fit evaluation. A saddle was fitted
to the horse based on objective measurements, and then again at an in-person
evaluation. Before and after footage was shown.  Incidentally, the horse's back
pain completely resolved.
15-16 y.o. Thoroughbred
cross used for dressage.
Joanna Robson, DVM,
CVSMT, CMP, VA, SFT
707-738-7110