cold backed?

sally2

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17 March 2009
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New horse when you touch her lightly on the wither area she shivers if you press firmly she doesnt. Gets a bit uptight when you put the saddle on especially if you move it about. Not to bad about mounting rides fine no bucking rearing arching. Could she be slightly cold backed or is she just sensative to a light touch on the wither area. Havent got round to checking the saddle out it came with the horse. Any one got experience of a cold backed horse and does this sound like one.
 
Hi i would say its a possibility although most people say cold backed is just a term for a horse who actually has a sore area on there back. However my ex racer had a back spasm when we bought him and now he tenses to be mounted and have saddle on although there is no problem now.
I would probably get back person out/saddler and see if all is okk. if it is then she is probably just sensitive. And as you are aware of it you should be able to manage it ok.
 
my friend's horse did something similar I think from what you describe. she became very sensitive, shivering/huge skin twitching on her wither to anything touching them- hand, saddle cloth etc. narrowed it down to a new ill ftting rug that had obviously made her withers very sore. changed rug and she was back to normal.
 
Thanks all i tacked up differently this morning. Gave withers a quick massage and rub for a minute or two just sat the saddle on her back and did the bridle put the girth up one hole picked out her feet then did the girth up slowly no problem mounted of a block fine. I think she may just be sensitive round the withers if you dont use firm pressure it took a few minutes longer to tack up but the man who made time made plenty of it. Will get another saddle as i am not convinced the one that came with her is decent cant see a name on it anywhere which is usually a clue to the standard or lack of it. I forget i have only had the horse two weeks so we are still getting no each others quirks.
 
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