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Publication
Evaluation of thermal pattern distributions in racehorse saddles using infrared thermography
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The impact of a rider’s and saddle’s mass on saddle thermal pattern distribution was evalu ated using infrared thermography (IRT). Eighteen racehorses were ridden by four riders with
their own saddle. Images of the saddle panels were captured at each of six thermographic
examinations. On each image, six regions of interest (ROIs) were marked on the saddle
panels. The mean temperature for each ROI was extracted. To evaluate the influence of
load on saddle fit, 4 indicators were used: ΔTmax (difference between the mean temperature
of the warmest and coolest ROI); standard deviation of the mean temperature of the six
ROIs; right/left; bridging/rocking and front/back thermal pattern indicator. Incorrect saddle fit
was found in 25 measurements (23.1%) with ΔTmax greater than 2˚C. The relationships
between rider and saddle fit as well as saddle fit and horse were significant (p<0.001). An
average ΔTmax in rider A was significantly higher than in other riders (p<0.001). The right/left
thermal pattern differed significantly from the optimal value for riders A and B; while the
bridging/rocking thermal pattern differed significantly from this value for riders A, C and D
(p<0.05). Front saddle thermal pattern was most frequent for rider A (41.5%), whereas back
saddle thermal pattern was most frequent for rider C (85.7%). Measurement of the mean
temperature in 6 ROIs on saddle panels after training was helpful in assessing the influence
of rider and saddle mass on saddle fit. IRT offered a non-invasive, rapid and simple method
for assessing load on thermal pattern distribution in race saddles.