We all recognize that a very badly fitting saddle can be a torture device for the poor horse. What appear to be relatively minor saddle issues gradually affect muscles and their ability to function properly. An insult to one muscle works progressively to spread that insult to another and yet another muscle in a chain reaction. That chain reaction will affect way of going, performance and foot conformation. It will cause performance deficits and progress subsequently to sub-clinical lameness. Eventually, the problem will lead to outright lameness