Back to: The 14 Reflex Points
On either side of every horse, regardless of breed, age, body condition or history, are 14 reflex points that we must avoid to prevent any negative reactions or behaviors that could also lead to physical damage for the horse.
Each point causes a specific reaction in the horse, ranging from hollowing the back to full on bucking. We often see unwanted behaviors as the horse being bad, however, they are simply trying to tell us that something is wrong. It may be discomfort or full-blown pain, and we are responsible for listening to our horses and understanding what they are trying to say.
In understanding the reflex points and how each can be triggered by various parts of the saddle, we can understand the ways in which we can protect these areas and prevent them from being negatively affected.
- Scapula Cartilage
- BL 13 (Bladder Meridian)
- Thoracic Trapezius
- 6 Spinal Nerves
- Bucking Reflex Point
- Latissimus Reflex Points
- Pectoral Reflex Points
Scapula Cartilage
When there is pressure on the scapula from either a saddle sitting directly on the shoulders, or concussion of the scapula cartilage against the saddle tree or gullet plate, it will cause irreparable damage. When the cartilage is damaged, not only will it not grow back or heal, but often damages the surrounding muscles through a shearing effect of the chipped and broken cartilage against the muscle fibers. Similar to dragging a hoof rasp across a steak, it is the same effect when a damaged scapula cartilage connects with muscle.
Many horses whose saddles do not fit with direct pressure on the shoulders will often refuse to move out from the shoulder, and instead move the forelimbs from the elbows to minimize shoulder movement and damage. If a saddle consistently gets pushed backwards or to one side, it is due to the saddle tree width and angle not being suitable for that particular horse. Additionally, the saddle may be pushed forward due to being too long and sitting on the lumbar, creating a push-push effect: being kicked forward by the lumbar onto the shoulder, and subsequently pushed backwards by the shoulder back onto the lumbar.
BL13 – Bladder Meridian
Contrary to the name, the bladder meridian is responsible for the breathing in horses. When the saddle puts pressure on this point, you will hear the horse take constant, shallow breaths, usually with every step as opposed to regular, deep breaths. Horses who have pressure in this area will also pee either during or immediately after being ridden.
Thracic Trapezius – Wither Area
The thoracic trapezius is an area that no saddle should ever press against. This region is considered the hand-brake for the horse, with stallions biting here to immobilize the mare through locking the front legs, dropping the back and tipping the pelvis forward for breeding. Any saddle that puts direct pressure in this area will cause the horse to have a ‘stuck in the mud’ type feeling to their gaits, inability to utilize the front limbs properly while still heavy on the forehand due to the dropped back and forward tipping pelvis, making engaging the hind end and lifting the back impossible. The base of the neck will also drop, and many horses present with a dip just in front of the withers as well. In addition, horses who have been ridden in improperly fitted saddles that sit in this region often show very large shoulder holes and atrophy with zero top line development, or strength to carry the rider without causing excess wear and tear on the body. Instead the rider is carried directly on bone, ligaments and tendons with increased concussion.
Spinal Nerves
The vertebral column consists of vertebrae (bone), intervertebral discs which form a fibrocartilaginous joint that acts to hold the vertebrae together, allow minimal movement and absorb shock, the spinal cord which acts as an information highway to the brain and the spinal nerves that branch off from the spinal cord.
Any pressure along the spinal nerves will cause the surrounding muscles to flicker and tense, also causing the back to dip and drop away from the cause of pressure. Once the back is dropped, the horse is no longer able to utilize their body in a manner that is conducive to healthy muscular and postural development. It also places the horse at risk for kissing spine as the gap between the dorsal spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae is now small and at some points, actually touching.
Bucking Reflex Point – Lumbar
The bucking reflex point is considered any area beyond the last thoracic vertebrae. Many fitters consider the edge of the 18th rib to be the limit as to where the saddle should reach, not realizing that the ribs curve towards the pelvis from the insertion at the sternum and half way up, curve back towards the head to connect to the vertebrae. If the edge of the 18th rib were to be used as reference, the saddle would already be sitting several inches too far back/be several inches too long already.
The combination of the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae, which unlike ribs, do not curve downwards but instead jut straight out on either side of the vertebral bone and are extremely delicate, along with the organ placement in that region make it one of the most important areas to avoid. In addition, the movement of the back will automatically push a saddle that is either too long, or placed too far back, forward.
Also, lacking the supportive structure of the ribcage, this section of the spine is extremely susceptible to injury as it is not designed to carry weight.
Latissimus Dorsi Muscle
The latissimus dorsi begins at the lower thoracic vertebrae and attaches to the humerus and plays an active role in the motion of the forelimb. It is a thin triangular muscle that lays over top of the ribcage, with the edge running diagonally from midway up the thorax towards the hip. The latissimus edge is typically damaged through the use of inappropriately sized girths, where the buckle lays against the muscle edge and causes pinching and potentially atrophy.
In addition, any discomfort or pain in this region will not only show as girthiness, but also an unwillingness to step forward with the front legs with the potential for tripping or knocking rails during jumping.
Ascending Pectoral Muscle
The ascending pectoral muscle begins at the sternum and attaches to the humerus, playing an active role in the protraction of the forelimb. The ascending pectoral muscle can be negatively affected by improper girth selection, poorly maintained girths with broken leather, ridges, lumps or even debris. The most delicate part of the muscle is along the edge which runs diagonally from just behind the elbow downwards. While very few girths buckle in this area, there are examples where the buckle pushes against to irritate and potentially damage the outer edge.
As with the latissimus, discomfort or pain in this region will cause the horse to shorten their stride, refusal to stretch the front legs, decreased stamina and difficulty in overall forward movement and jumping.