cold backed horse?

[teamsarazara]

I work in a riding school (which is mostly a hacking centre) theres a mare we have that only the staff or very experienced riders ride. She'd been ridden on tuesday when it was raining, given a rub over, rug on and out in the field. The next day i walked her around for 5 minutes (always do before getting on her)got on her from the mounting block, got on carefully and let her walk on but instead of normally just having a wee bounce then being fine she kept putting her head down and pushing her back upwards, after 3 times of doing this she was fine but not quite herself. Could the rain be an effect to this? We dont know an awful lot about cold backed horses to be honest?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

IMO 'cold-backed' is an old-fashioned term for a horse which is uncomfortable in its back. Why is she only a ride for very experienced people? Does she rush/buck/nap? My guess is that the rain was a coincidence but that the mare is uncomfortable in some way. I'd get her back/tack and teeth checked and wouldn't be at all surprised if an issue is found in her back/neck.
Good luck!

 

[Echo Bravo]

A cold backed horse is what they called roached backed, think you will find they are the ones that have kissing spine, so yes you put the saddle on and walk round for awhile for them to warm up( to the saddle) and they arse around when you get on, but fine after that.

 

[be positive]

Cold backed is usually a horse sensitive to being saddled and is nearly always has the same reaction, they need to be walked round before mounting.
A roach back is something totally different and neither may have anything to do with kissing spine.
The horse you rode is probably rather sensitive and should be examined by a vet .
It is a shame that it is working in a riding school and they have not tried to treat it.