Before backing - worth getting back & teeth checked?

Spyda

Spyda

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I'll be backing my filly (4 in May) this spring. She's fine and looks wonderful, but I was wondering whether it's worth having her back and teeth checked before I start working her? Just as a precaution. Or would this simply be a waste of money since nothing appears to be wrong in either area ATM. Money's tight so not sure whether it's worth it or not.

Opinions? Experiences?

Thanks :)
 
I would get them checked as routine my youngster sees the dentist each year to get her used to it and had her wolf teeth out in winter so no issue when coming to be backed. Also when my older mare has her Mctimoney treatment get the youngster looked at as well mainly to get her used to this sort of thing.
 
I have never backed a horse but my YO does it regularly, she was saying the other day that she would get the back man out before she backed her lad.

I will be interested in what people have to say, as it seems common sense to do it to ensure all their haring around the field has not done any damage.
FDC
 
I've not done any real backing/breaking of youngsters, but it makes sense to make sure that everything is OK before you start. If, for example, there are dental problems, which are made worse when bitted, the horse could associate the tack with pain which could prove to be difficult later on?

Maybe this is just me?

E
 
I would, if she has anything amis and you back her it could cause her to react badly to the backing process. Good luck :)
 
We always get teeth checked with all backers. As far as back is concerned, I do a basic check myself and if there is anything that concerns me, I get them checked 'properly' right away. Otherwise, we make a start and see how they move - if there are no problems to be seen then we'll leave first back check until 2-3 weeks after 1st sat on.
 
Absolutely! To my mind it's imperative. You don't want the youngster making associations between pain (back/teeth or anything else) and being sat on. You can solve the physical problem after backing but it may take much much longer to solve the psychological association, even after the pain has gone.
 
Yes, get the checks done. At least you know then if any problems are physical or behavioural. It's a case of eliminating problems before they occur I think.
 
My rising four year old has teeth done whenever the older horses are done, he had his third visit today and the EDT said it's good to keep on top of them to prevent problems due to nelect. He was also able to give me advice on the shape of his mouth in relation to bitting.... he's got a small tongue and would find it easy to draw it up and get it over the bit. My older horse has his back done every 6/8 months (he has an old pelvic problem) and my backman just has a quick look at the youngster when he's there... no problems yet, and he doesn't charge if no work is needed.
 
I wll have my filly teeth and back checked before l reback her in the spring. I think you got to make sure there is problems before you start so they don`t have any experience of discomfort or pain when they are backed.
 
Definitely. Better to get everything checked before you back, in case there is a dental/back problem you are not aware of, the horse may then associate the saddle/bit with pain in the future. You want the backing process to be pleasant for the horse, and you may not be able to see any problems the horse may/may not have.

So much is going on in the mouth until they are about 5/6/7 years old, it is best to get an EDT regularly out to make sure there are no retained caps/sharp enamel points/wolf teeth may need removing in case they cause discomfort when bitted etc. Your EDT can also give some advice regarding what sort/size of bit would be ideal for the shape of the mouth etc.
 
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I'm definitely having Harry's teeth checked before, he's got wolf teeth coming through so EDT has agreed to remove them next time he comes (March). As for his back, I need to find someone first but I think it makes good sense, better to make sure they're all happy and healthy before introducing riding. Last thing anyone wants is for their horse to associate being backed with pain.
 
Teeth should be done routinely in youngsters anyway so I won't be having any extra checks done, just scheduled maintenance so to speak.

As for backs? Not really. I don't believe in the 'back man'. I use a qualified physio if I believe there is a problem but I don't feel the need to have someone come and wave a crystal over her and hit her with a rubber hammer as I don't think it'll achieve anything.

I'll start her and if there seems to be a problem with her back (or anything else for that matter) she will see the vet who may or may not recommend the physio.

That's just me though.
 
Have you ever had either done before?

At 4, they're still teething & it's really important to get them checked in case there is an issue with the way the mouth is developing. -I've had my youngster's teeth checked every six months since a 3yr old.

As for their back, I didn't get anyone to check it, but I did get a well qualified saddler to fit a saddle prior to proper work starting. -She'd already been used to the roller & numnah.
 
I would always get back, pelvis, etc and teeth checked before backing regardless of whether anything appears wrong or not.

Even though the horse hasn't worked before they can easily put things out in the field.

Not to do so means risking a horse being uncomfortable when first ridden and being difficult to break - and more cost breaking due to more time needed. If they learn being ridden hurts right from the start then they aren't going to want to be ridden and that can be a difficult experience and memory to over-come even when everything is ok with them.
 
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I am one of those cruel people who breaks in TB yearlings and we have every one seen to by the dentist before we start them, no point trying to get them confident in the bridle if they are in pain. Like JG, I will check their backs basically and if I feel or see anything odd when they are on the lunge then will get them checked out.
 
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