Cold backed horse opinions please!

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smellsofhorse

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Hi after reading the earlier post about a cold backed ex race horse i just was interested to hear other peoples opinions.

One of my horses is a 10 year old ex race horse, he raced until he was 8.
When you first get on he is hunched and tense in his back, if allowed he will slowly jog off but does nothing else, isnt dangerous at all. This doesnt last long at all.
I mount, make him stand then walk off. Or if not exercised for a few days i will lunge him for a few minutes fist.

His is a real gent in every other way, to hacks, jump, school and to handle.

Its just the first getting on could really knock someones confidence, looking for someone to share him i had a few hair raising moments when people who where not as experienced or confident as they said got on him!
 
My last horse was a 16.3 TB ex racer who had a tendancy to bronc when mounting, he didn't even give you chance to sit down just used to spin around and rodeo across the yard !!!!

There was no consistency to this behaviour he would do it when lunged before getting on and when not. He would sometimes go weeks without doing it.

This behaviour scared the living daylights out of me !!!!

I managed to sell him to a friend of mine who is now team chasing him.
 
A few years ago I had an exrace horse. He was cold backed and stood 17.3. He was completly bombproof and the best hunter/teamchaser. Only problem was mounting!! We used to pull up the side of the mounting block. We had quite tight reins, swung leg over and let him go straight away.Didn't bother with other stirrup until he had had his skip and bounce around!! This way must have worked as we saw an old trainer of his and he said his jockeys fell off him all the time whilst mounting, but once on was the most fantastic horse! I think it may just be a case of trying different ways to mount to see what works for you both.
 
A friend recently was looking for a horse ... and there were so many cold backed horses about, poor things as I believe this is caused mainly by human mismangement (badly fitting saddles, lumping about on their backs, etc). Curiously, very few sellers declared the fact until specifically asked - horrible things some humans!!

It isn't the horses fault its just an automatic reaction, but it can be managed successfully as people above have stated. I also think if you have a cold backed horse it is important to get some really first class lessons to ensure your seat is sympathetic and to get the back/saddle checked regularly.
 
canteron said:
A friend recently was looking for a horse ... and there were so many cold backed horses about, poor things as I believe this is caused mainly by human mismangement (badly fitting saddles, lumping about on their backs, etc). Curiously, very few sellers declared the fact until specifically asked - horrible things some humans!!

It isn't the horses fault its just an automatic reaction, but it can be managed successfully as people above have stated. I also think if you have a cold backed horse it is important to get some really first class lessons to ensure your seat is sympathetic and to get the back/saddle checked regularly.
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Just read this and though it was a bit harsh!

I do have regular lessons!
I have lots of experience.

I totally understand that miss management of horses. especially ex race horses, it what causes their issues.

My horses is even on a supplement for his stomach, ulcers etc, to insure its not that causing the caldbackedness, but i honestly feel knowing him it from his racing days when the jockey would be throw on and they would canter straight off!
 
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