3 Questions to Ask If You Think Your Horse Has a Back Problem
When a horse starts showing subtle signs of discomfort or performance decline, many riders instinctively think, "Could it be their back?" This isn't surprising… the horse's back plays a critical role in nearly every movement they make, from collection to transitions, from bending to maintaining balance. Yet equine back pain is often underdiagnosed, misunderstood, or overlooked entirely.
Understanding what may be going on in your horse's back starts with asking the right questions. In this article, we’ll explore three key questions that can help you determine whether your horse's back might be part of the problem and how to begin finding answers.
Question 1: Has My Horse's Behavior or Performance Changed Recently?
Back discomfort often doesn't show up as lameness. Instead, it can emerge as behavioral changes or shifts in performance. You might notice that your previously willing horse is now:
Resisting being saddled or girthed
Pinning ears or swishing the tail during grooming or tacking up
Bucking, rearing, or hollowing the back under saddle
Struggling with specific movements like lateral work or transitions
Reluctant to go forward or rushing through work
These kinds of behaviors are your horse's way of communicating discomfort. But interpreting those signals can be tricky.
Pain in the back can often be the primary issue, but sometimes it's secondary - a result of other physical problems like poor hoof balance. In other cases, it may be due to poor saddle fit, rider imbalance, or training inconsistencies.
To distinguish between a "behavioral" problem and a pain-related one, it's essential to track when and how the behaviors started. Ask yourself:
When did I first notice this change?
Was there a triggering event (e.g., a fall, a change in routine, a new saddle)?
Are the issues consistent, or do they come and go?
Keeping a journal of your horse's behavior, performance, and any interventions (like changes in feed, farriery, or training) can reveal patterns. This becomes invaluable when communicating with your veterinarian or therapist.
Question 2: When Was the Last Time Saddle Fit Was Checked?
Poor saddle fit is one of the most common and preventable causes of back pain in horses. A well-fitted saddle distributes the rider's weight evenly, allows for full range of motion through the shoulders and back, and avoids concentrated pressure points. An ill-fitting saddle, on the other hand, can create pressure, restrict movement, and lead to muscle atrophy or soreness.
Changes in saddle fit can occur over time due to:
Muscle development or loss (e.g., seasonal conditioning changes)
Weight gain or loss
Rider changes (different size, seat, or riding style)
Saddle wear and tear
Even if your saddle fit well six months ago, that doesn't mean it still does. A dynamic saddle fitting (evaluating the saddle both at rest and in motion) by a qualified professional is the gold standard.
Some signs your saddle may not be fitting correctly include:
Uneven sweat marks or dry spots after riding
White hairs or hair loss under the saddle area
Asymmetrical muscle development along the topline
Resistance to being saddled or girthed
Back sensitivity during grooming
A good saddle fitter will not only assess the fit of the saddle itself but also consider the horse's conformation, movement, and the rider's biomechanics. Saddle fit is not just about comfort; it directly influences your horse's ability to engage the core, lift the back, and move correctly.
Question 3: Has My Horse Been Physically Evaluated for Function, Not Just for Lameness?
Veterinary lameness exams are essential tools for diagnosing structural problems, but they often focus on overt gait abnormalities and joint function. What these exams sometimes miss are functional deficits that can cause or contribute to back pain.
Functional evaluation looks at how the horse uses its body: posture, flexibility, range of motion, symmetry, and neuromuscular control. An equine physical therapist, osteopath, rehab-trained veterinarian, or trained bodyworker can assess subtle issues that impact performance and comfort. These include:
Uneven muscle tone along the spine or hindquarters
Restricted spinal mobility or rib cage motion
Tension in the thoracolumbar fascia
Core weakness leading to a dropped back or high head carriage
Difficulty engaging the lumbosacral junction
Why does this matter? Because back pain is rarely only about the back. Horses are masters of compensation. If one part of the body is limited, other regions take over—often resulting in widespread patterns of compensation. For example:
Hock or stifle discomfort can lead to bracing through the low back
Poor hoof balance can alter posture and lead to muscle soreness in the topline
Rider asymmetry can cause the horse to travel crookedly, loading the back unevenly
A comprehensive physical assessment should include both palpation (to identify soreness or spasms), movement analysis, and ideally, core stability testing. These evaluations give you and your care team a clearer picture of what your horse's back is telling you.
When to Seek Help: The Team Approach
If these three questions raise some red flags, it's time to bring in your horse's wellness team. Back pain in horses is treatable—but it often takes a collaborative effort to find and address the root cause.
Who should be on your team?
Veterinarian: To rule out or treat underlying medical or orthopedic issues
Saddle fitter: To ensure tack is supporting rather than contributing to pain
Equine physical therapist or rehab specialist: To assess function, design a recovery plan, and guide therapeutic exercise
Farrier: To ensure balanced feet, which directly affect posture and movement
Equine Dentist: To ensure balanced teeth, which directly affect poll and TMJ function
Trainer or riding instructor: To help you ride in a way that supports your horse's body, not strain it
The earlier you involve these professionals, the better the outcome. Back pain that is ignored often leads to chronic compensation, muscle atrophy, behavioral problems, and even long-term soundness issues.
Treatment and Rehabilitation: It Starts With the Right Diagnosis
Once a cause has been identified, treatment might include:
Rest and anti-inflammatory medications (when acute inflammation is present)
Corrective saddle fitting or equipment changes
Therapeutic bodywork (massage, myofascial release, chiropractic care)
Stretching and mobilization exercises
Postural retraining and core strengthening (e.g., sure foot pads, pole work, stability exercises)
Controlled exercise plans to restore function without overload
Adjunct therapies like PEMF, laser, or shockwave when recommended by your vet
Importantly, rehab must be tailored to your horse's specific issues. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. And while stall rest might be appropriate for some injuries, many back issues improve more with turnout and targeted movement than with rest alone.
Prevention: The Power of Proactive Care
You don’t have to wait for a problem to appear before supporting your horse’s back health. Preventative strategies include:
Regular saddle fit evaluations
Routine bodywork and functional checks
Postural conditioning and cross-training (lunging with correct form, ground poles, hill work)
Balanced hoof care
Rider fitness and symmetry training
Most importantly, develop the habit of listening to your horse. Changes in mood, movement, or behavior are often your first clue that something's not quite right. Being proactive can help catch issues early—before they become performance-limiting or painful.
Final Thoughts: Be Your Horse’s Advocate
As horse owners, riders, and caregivers, we are our horse’s voice. Their comfort, performance, and long-term soundness depend on our willingness to observe closely, ask the right questions, and seek support when needed.
If you suspect your horse might have a back problem, trust your gut. Start with these three questions:
Has their behavior or performance changed?
When was saddle fit last evaluated?
Has a full-body functional assessment been done?
The answers can help you uncover what your horse is really trying to tell you.
Because your horse deserves to move, work, and live without pain.
Need help assessing your horse's back or creating a rehab plan? Shoot me an email! Or reach out to an equine physical therapy professional or rehab-savvy veterinarian near you.
Empowered owners create healthier horses. And asking the right questions is the first step.