---
type: News Article
title: "Saddlery Researchers Take Centre Stage"
description: "Saddle research from Centaur Biomechanics, Hartpury University and the Royal Veterinary College, shared at Saddlers' Hall and part funded by the Saddlers."
resource: "https://thesaddlers.org/news/equestrian/saddlery-researchers-take-centre-stage"
tags: [saddlers-news, saddlers-company, news, equestrian, saddlery-researchers-take-centre-stage]
published: "February 2026"
generated: { by: process:saddlers-site-build, at: 2026-10-20T15:16:16Z }
status: stable
sources:
  - id: page
    resource: "https://thesaddlers.org/news/equestrian/saddlery-researchers-take-centre-stage"
    title: "Saddlery Research at Saddlers' Hall | Saddlers' Company"
    author: "team:the-saddlers-company"
---
# Saddlery Researchers Take Centre Stage

Published February 2026.

Leading academics Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire of Centaur Biomechanics, Dr Kathryn Nankervis of Hartpury University and Dr Jorn Cheney of the Royal Veterinary College and Southampton University shared their research findings at Saddlers' Hall with leaders and professionals from the equestrian and saddlery sectors.[^page]

## Groundbreaking Research into Saddle Fit

The researchers' work into horse, saddlery and rider interactions focuses on achieving the best fit to deliver optimal comfort and welfare for the horse. Their applied research is being brought into practice among those committed to professional standards in the industry, particularly those working in multi-disciplinary teams caring for equines. The research programme is funded in part by the Saddlers' Company Charitable Fund.

Findings from the study are due to be published to members of recognised professional bodies, allowing manufacturers, retailers and fitters of British saddlery to access the data and review the key conclusions.

## Part of a Wider Trade Initiative

The event forms part of a wider initiative by The Saddlers' Company and others in the sector to support the British saddlery trade and all those who follow good practice in the equestrian world, complementing the Company's other work through the Equine Fitters Council and its trade training partnerships.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who presented saddlery research at Saddlers' Hall?

Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire of Centaur Biomechanics, Dr Kathryn Nankervis of Hartpury University and Dr Jorn Cheney of the Royal Veterinary College and Southampton University presented their findings.

### Who funds this saddlery research?

The research programme is funded in part by the Saddlers' Company Charitable Fund.

## Related concepts

- [Equestrian News from the Saddlers](/pages/news/equestrian.md)
- [Equine Fitters Council and Directory](/pages/news/trade/equine-fitters-council-directory.md)
- [British Racing School Students and Staff Celebrate Graduation](/pages/news/equestrian/british-racing-school-students-and-staff-celebrate-graduation.md)
- [Rathbarry and Glenview Studs Welcome Saddlers to Ireland](/pages/news/equestrian/rathbarry-and-glenview-studs-welcome-saddlers-to-ireland.md)

[^page]: Saddlery Research at Saddlers' Hall | Saddlers' Company, https://thesaddlers.org/news/equestrian/saddlery-researchers-take-centre-stage