• Lower limb weakness or paralysis and sensory loss.
• Bowel and bladder dysfunction.
• Orthopaedic abnormalities such as kyphosis, scoliosis (spinecurvature), clubfoot, contractures, hip dislocation.
• Orthopaedic problems are often due to imbalances in muscle strength and function resulting mostly from residual paralysis,but with a spasticity (high muscle tone) component.
• Hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid on the brain).
• Chari II malformations: apnea and breathing difficulties and stridor in the newborn baby and headache, quadriparesis and balance coordination difficulties in the older child.
• Growth retardation.

The Bambach design, Spina Bifida and Riding for the Disabled

The Bambach saddle seat was designed by an Australian Occupational Therapist as a result of her observation following years spent working with 'Riding for the Disabled'.

She found that disabled individuals suffering from neurological conditions such as SB often had great difficulty in maintaining a healthy posture and assumed a 'collapsed' or 'slouched' posture when seated in a conventional wheelchair and required considerable support (or strapping) to remain sitting.

These same individuals when sat on horseback were however capable of sitting independently and unsupported and showed remarkably improved functional abilities as a result of being put on a horse on a saddle.