Cold backed horse - got a solution

cptrayes

cptrayes

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I hope this might help people with cold backed horses.

I have a horse who is dramatically cold backed in winter. I have been trying to cope with him by lunging first, but after dark I can't do that and in any case he still bucks badly in the first ten minutes of working. It got so I didn't want to ride him any more. Since it is so very clearly related to the temperature, we have built him his own little solarium, total cost £50, not including the electrician's time, as I have a tame one. It has produced a miracle on my two test rides so far. This morning I didn't lunge, I just got straight on, and the difference in him is stunning.

It's two 250watt poulty infra-red lamps. I plan to upgrade to four because he loves it so much :) He's over 17 hands, 6ft 9 rug size. A smaller horse would only need one for the back area.

The recipe I used was:

Cook for 20 mintues on full heat. Put dark coloured numnah and blanket on and leave to stand for another 5 minutes. I may be able to shorten those times, but that works. The dark numnah heats up too, and warms the saddle when I put it on.

Here's a picture:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBiI5ItbAp4/UJpQ2hNJguI/AAAAAAAAA6w/6zy3cHzB3es/s400/PICT0146.JPG
 
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I bet even horses that aren't cold backed would appreciate that :) Good for helping him chill out afterwards too! Glad its working for you and him!!
 
That looks very interesting- wish we could rig up something like that in the trailer! Reg goes so much better when he's very warm before he's ridden (in general actually- he probably would get 'poor horse' posts on here if someone saw how wrapped up he is, but without it he isn't a happy bunny). He's not cold-backed though, but it would work the same...
 
Please, does the definition 'cold-backed' just mean the horse is a bit bronco? Ive heard the term a lot, but not yet worked it out.... :-/
Q
 
Did you try a back on track rug.?? I have one on my youngster who bucked, he wears it during day under normal rug, found he defo not as tense when being mounted in fact has not bucked at all since having it.
 
GENIUS!

My most worthwhile 'luxury' purchase for my horse has been an equilibrium massage pad. They are great for warming up / cooling down before / after exercise :) and could be used in a trailer / lorry quite easily :)
 
Ludoctro - which style rug have you got? I am looking for one as an under rug, but seeing the price (!), wanted to get the right style....

Also how do you measure for fit?

cptrayes - what a bit of ingenuity and will have a think on how to rig one up too - would be fab on a cold day after hunting...

Thanks
 
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Ludoctro said:
Did you try a back on track rug.?? I have one on my youngster who bucked, he wears it during day under normal rug, found he defo not as tense when being mounted in fact has not bucked at all since having it.
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I didn't. I'm guessing that my solution is a lot cheaper, though, and he loves it :)
 
Have you posted on the thread in CR about building your own solarium. I'm sure the OP ( possibly vickijay?) would love a photo if you haven't already
 
CBFan said:
My most worthwhile 'luxury' purchase for my horse has been an equilibrium massage pad. They are great for warming up / cooling down before / after exercise :) and could be used in a trailer / lorry quite easily :)
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One of those was going to be my last ditch attempt to keep him rideable this winter. I'm so pleased I don't need it now.

Funnily enough, he never has a problem after travelling anywhere, he is only cold backed at home. I figure that it's because he uses his back muscles while he is travelling.
 
q105 said:
Please, does the definition 'cold-backed' just mean the horse is a bit bronco? Ive heard the term a lot, but not yet worked it out.... :-/
Q
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Any horse which raises its back for the first few minutes when it is ridden is called "cold backed". Some of them, like mine, buck. Some are just uppity and stiff.

Many of them can be cured by warming the saddle (either on or off the horse). Some by riding stood up for ten minutes. Some people have had success with massage pads and mine is cured by heat lamps.

The rest probably have spine problems, like kissing spines, especially if they are like it all year round. If this hadn't worked, I was going to try a massage pad and then get him x rayed.
 
cptrayes said:
One of those was going to be my last ditch attempt to keep him rideable this winter. I'm so pleased I don't need it now.

Funnily enough, he never has a problem after travelling anywhere, he is only cold backed at home. I figure that it's because he uses his back muscles while he is travelling.
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I was lucky that I got mine for the bargain sum of £100! It was a customer return at my local horsey shop - the 'stuffing' was slightly skewwiff but it works perfectly. :) :)

But yes, it is amazing how much they use themselves when travelling.. ;)
 
Great idea and one I could do with right now as there is definitely a cold draught whistling through my office window straight onto my back and I am ready to buck :p
 
Nicnac I take it you bucked off home in the end :) ?

Just to report that after three days of use the difference in my horse is nothing short of incredible. If I wasn't on his back I would have trouble believing anyone who told me that it would have that much effect.
 
Sounds like a great idea, I want one for myself!

Have to say my magnet rug is pretty good at keeping them toasty, and you can move them around to target areas, can feel hot spots where the magnets are :)
 
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