Ideas on potential sources of back trouble.....and what to do next.

[FCarson]

I've recently started riding a 6yr Thoroughbred who I believe to be showing symptoms of a very stiff/sore back. The person she belongs too hasn't schooled her since returning from being professionally schooled 2 months ago and has just been ridden in a field without being asked to collect. She has never raced and done very little since being broken.

When I got on her after warming her up in a loose rein, she would happily collect whilst walking and flex her neck. When I asked for trot she would throw her head up in the air and was really not comfortable coming down on the bit (adding in a lot of tail swishing) and evetually bucked. She would happily trot and canter around as flat as a pancake though.

She does have a short back and looks as though she is clamping her tail down and rounding her bum under. She also has minimal muscle along her topline and rump.

I was hoping I could get suggestions as to what this could possibly be and the advised progression i.e.vet first then physio/back specialist. And if anyone could recommend someone that would visit in the Thetford area of Norfolk.

Thanks!

 

[Benjamin Brown]

Vet first.
I have a horse who had back problems when I got him and I've had him treated by a chiro for three years. They finally recommended that he go to the vets for checks for DSP (kissing spines) because of a bad muscle spasm and it turns out that not only does he have kissing spines but because of him trying to avoid the pain in his back he's placed abnormal pressure on other parts of his body and has Navicular Syndrome too

I really regret not getting x rays done right back at the start because I've spent a fortune on chiros and other treatment trying to manage what I thought was just a cold backed TB X and worst of all my horse has been in pain and discomfort unecessarily

Just a thought.

 

[AmyMay]

Does the saddle fit?

Do her teeth need doing?

Is she showing signs of discomfort when you run your hand along her back?

How are you asking her to come on to the bit? Is she 'there' yet with her education?

What is your riding like?

Is she sound??

 

[horsimous]

Saddle!

Does the horse have a big shoulder? I found that as my mare has a large shoulder, in trot because there is a large amount of movement there, saddles tend to dig the shoulder. Putting the saddle a bit further back helped and also straighter cut ones. Also found that due to soft/weaker back muscles and lack of topline that some other saddles pinched along the spine. just had to keep on trying different saddles. Ironically the best one fits her and not me but at least someone can ride her! I have been doing a lot of lunging and longreining to build her up which has helped as well as ensuring she puts on a decent amount of weight. Also found the physio helped as she gave me couple of exercises to do.

 

[teddyt]

Possible causes- (one or more or all!)
Saddle
Bit
Teeth
Rider
Other tack -noseband, numnah, girth
Previous injury
Lack of suppleness and balance
Current physical injury/disease
Poor foot balance (affects rest of body)
Physically incapable of doing what is being asked

I would start with the vet to do a check over. Then a reputable saddle fitter. Then a reputable instuctor to give you a lesson or two to help you on the right track with sympathetic and constructive training.

Veterinary Physiotherapist if needed and recomended by the vet alongside the above.

 

[Booboos]

I think you need to start with the vet and go from there. He should be able to find out if there is a specific problem in any one area and recommend further treatment which could well include dentist, physio and/or saddler.

Good luck!

 

[CBFan]

as a source, in addition to above back trouble can also be caused by horse pratting about in the field and or falling over, rolling awkwardly or getting cast in the box... the list is pretty endless...

get a vet and or a highly recomended chiro however vet will need to be notified if chiro visits as it is illegal for anyone but a qualified vet to treat a horse without vets permission.