is your horse back sore

Is your horse’s back sore?

 

  • Your horse’s back is LONG – and it’s attached to a lot of things, like his neck, legs, and your own seat – and your horse’s back may be sore! For many horses, they go their whole lives without a single back problem, other horses don’t fare so well. Things get complicated for horses when we ride them – and it’s our job to watch out for their comfort and health. This starts on the ground and continues when you are in the saddle.

 

a hand pressing into a horse's back to feel for soreness

Sometimes a gentle squish along your horse’s spine will create a painful reaction.

Most back pain in horses is demonstrated by behavior changes. Look for:

  • Twitching, flinching, ear pinning, tail wringing when being groomed and/or tacked up.
  • Reluctance to back up on the ground and under saddle.
  • Lack of forward movement under saddle.
  • Resisting lateral movements under saddle.
  • Changing the way they walk up and down hills, some horses will try and go down at an angle.
  • Hock and hind leg lamenesses.

 

saddle fitter examining a horse

A properly trained saddle fitter can help you get the most comfortable saddle for your horse. And you.

 

It’s up to you and your veterinarian to flush out the issue here. Back problems in horses are often the result of:

 

  • Poor saddle fit
  • Injury
  • Lameness in a leg
  • Spinal cord issues
  • Muscle pain – from any dozens of reasons, including overtraining
  • Ligament issues along the spine

 

ice blanket for a horse back on a gray horse

There are all sorts of back-helping blankets out there, also! Some for ice, some for heat, some for magnetic therapies. The one above can be used with ice or heat.

 

More things to think about when it comes to your horse’s back.

 

  • Sometimes things are as simple as getting a saddle flocked properly, or treating the muscles soreness. Other times things are more complicated, especially when the legs are involved. It’s not easy to track down the exact cause of your horse’s back soreness, but noticing the behavior changes are the first thing to do.

 

  • Your Veterinarian will be able to give you a proper plan of action for your horse, which might include x-rays, bone scans, massage, chiropractics, saddle adjustment, medications, and even cold and hot therapies. There are lots of things you can do to make your horse healthy and comfortable!

 

go shopping button for horse products

 

Many horses might like some cooling or heating of their backs to help with discomfort. You can pick up an ice blanket or warming blanket here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which are zero extra charge to you. I can’t thank you enough for your support!

 

Back on Track Sheet

Sore No More Liniment Bottle – pick your size

Back on Track Limber Up LiniMint Leg and Body Brace

Vetrolin Liniment

Ice Horse back blanket – for use with ice packs or heating packs!

 

Thank you!