The Equestrian Digest
The Thermography Study That's Changing How We Think About Saddle Fit
Brazilian research reveals 40% of "sound" horses are suffering in silence—and what smart riders are doing about it...
By Sarah Maberry
When Colorado veterinarian Dr. Sarah Mitchell scanned a healthy horse with thermal imaging, she gasped.
“The back lit up like a Christmas tree. Red-hot pressure points everywhere the saddle touched.”
What she saw next would change how thousands of riders think about saddle fit—and might explain why YOUR horse has been “acting up” lately.
This wasn’t unusual. Brazilian researchers found 39.5% of sport horses have pressure damage. Over half show harmful heat patterns no one can see.
The Silent Epidemic
“Horses hide pain until it’s severe,” explains Michael Torres, master saddle fitter with 20 years experience. “By then, damage is done.”
Warning signs once dismissed as “attitude”:
- Girthy behavior – tensing or biting when girthed
- White hairs appearing where saddle sits
- Shortened strides or reluctance to move forward
- “Cold-backed” – humping or bucking when first mounted
- Hollowing their back under saddle
- Shifting away when you approach with the saddle
Sound familiar?
“Three trainers said my mare was ‘difficult.’ Two years later, we discovered she was in pain.”– Amanda Chen, Amateur Eventer
Those White Hairs? They're Scars
Cornell veterinarians confirm: Pressure kills pigment cells permanently. Each white hair marks damaged tissue that won’t heal.
“It’s cellular scarring,” says Dr. Mitchell. “Once melanocytes die, they’re gone forever.”
But the damage doesn’t stop at cosmetic issues…
Why Traditional Fixes Fail
- Memory foam? Compresses unevenly
- Sheepskin? Mats down in weeks
- Thick pads? Change saddle balance
MacKechnie-Guire’s 2021 study proved many “solutions” make problems worse.
“We keep adding more of what doesn’t work,” says Torres. “It’s like putting a band-aid on a broken bone.”
The Breakthrough Hiding in Plain Sight
That’s when Dr. Mitchell had a breakthrough moment…
“If traditional materials fail, what industries have already solved pressure problems?”
The answer was everywhere—except in barns:
- Marathon runners use gel insoles that never compress
- ICU patients lie on gel mattresses preventing bedsores
- Formula 1 drivers sit on gel cushions during 5G forces
“The technology existed,” explains Dr. Mitchell. “We just weren’t using it on horses.”
Why Medical-Grade Gel Changes Everything
Unlike materials that compress, gel displaces pressure sideways. Picture stepping on a water balloon—the pressure spreads out instead of pushing through.
Three studies confirmed what riders soon discovered:
✓ Gel pads reduced saddle force by 24%
✓ Pressure distributed evenly across entire surface
✓ Heat patterns normalized within days
“First time I saw the follow-up thermography, I couldn’t believe it,” admits Dr. Mitchell. “Same horse, same saddle—completely different heat pattern.”
But here’s what makes this truly revolutionary…
Which Solution Does YOUR Horse Need?
After analyzing thousands of horses, Kavallerie discovered four distinct back types. Which one is YOUR horse? (Hint: Look at them from the side)
SEAT SAVER
The All-Purpose Solution
- Your horse if: Saddle fits pretty well but you want extra comfort
- Problem it solves: General shock absorption, prevents developing sore spots
- Best for: Trail horses, lesson horses, sensitive backs
“Premium cushioning for already-decent fit”
FRONT RISER
The Wither Reliever
- Your horse if: High, bony withers OR low, flat withers
- Problem it solves: Saddle sitting ON withers or rocking forward
- Best for: Thoroughbreds, high-withered horses, narrow builds
“This gentle lift saves so many horses from daily pain”
MIDDLE RISER
The Gap Filler
- Your horse if: Hollow or sway back, older horse, kissing spine
- Problem it solves: Saddle “bridging” – touching front/back but not middle
- Best for: Senior horses, rehab cases, sway backs
“Fills the hollow without creating new pressure”
REAR RISER
The Muscle Balancer
- Your horse if: High withers PLUS big shoulders
- Problem it solves: Saddle tipping forward, throwing you off balance
- Best for: Warmbloods, muscular TBs, sport horses
“Levels out the see-saw effect”
Real Riders, Real Results
“My horse moves like he’s five years younger,” reports Grand Prix rider Lisa Hartwell. “Forty years riding—never seen such immediate change.“
Dr. Mitchell’s follow-up scans show normalized heat patterns within days. “The thermography doesn’t lie. These pads work.”
What riders report:
- Horses stand quietly for saddling
- Improved movement scores
- Extended careers by years
- Fewer mystery vet bills
- That eager, forward attitude returns
The Investment That Pays Off
Kavallerie Gel Pad -> Check price on Amazon (lasts for years)
Compare to:
- Chiropractic: $150-300 per session
- Massage therapy: $100-150 each time
- New saddle: $2,000-8,000
- Time off for recovery: Priceless
“Clients spend hundreds monthly on bodywork,” notes Dr. Mitchell. “This prevents the need.”
Your Risk-Free Next Step
Still unsure which configuration fits your horse? Kavallerie offers free consultations.
Email a side photo to support@kavallerie.com for personalized recommendations.
✅ 30-Day “Happy Horse” Guarantee
See improvement or get a full refund. No questions asked.
Return rate? Under 3%.
“Once riders feel the difference, they never go back,” says Torres.
⚠️ Note: Front Riser (for TBs) sells out regularly. Current stock is limited.
Don't Let Another Day Pass
Every day, 200+ horses find relief with Kavallerie. But with limited inventory (especially Front Risers), your horse might have to wait.
Don’t let that happen.
Your horse has been patient. They’ve carried you despite the pain.
Maybe it’s time to carry them.
What's Your Horse Trying to Tell You? Get Your Kavallerie Pad Today
Join thousands of riders who’ve finally discovered what their horses needed all along.
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