Kissing spine? Opinions?

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delbino7

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PHYSIO COMING TOMORROW, VET COMING MONDAY. Just want opinions at time being.

New horse was bought and stupidly (no need to tell me) didn't have him vetted. Was told he needed brought back into work after the winter off.
No problem, got him home and had him riding away and seemed to be going well. He changed shape quite quickly, lost some weight which was needed and found the saddle lifting at the back... Turned him away for a few days (3 at the most) and saddle fitter came out and fitted him a new saddle. Trialled it and he bucking badly going into canter and stopping dead and taking really short strides in trot and stomping his hind legs. Put it down to being stroppy after a few days off plus we were in the outdoor arena which was quite deep as new surface has layed.
Now he was very bad today and was bucking higher than usual and seemed really unhappy- when I took his saddle off he seemed reluctant to let him put pressure on his back where his saddle sits. This saddle fits there's no denying it, my physio was on the yard when saddle fitter was there and my instructor and we were all really happy with it.

Could he be sore from the old saddle not fitting correctly or honest opinions what it may be? Everything I google points to kissing spine. He wasn't like this when I brought him back into work he was like an old pet dog really relaxed.... We were having weekly lessons and hacking out now he seems to have gotten really unhappy really quickly.

I'm in bits about it as he seems to be getting worse in his behaviour because he's in pain- I've turned him out tonight in tears and phoned my physio right away she's coming tomorrow afternoon.

Also I'll add that in the last week he's had quite runny poo. Not vet calling worthy just fresh? Someone said that could be a indicator of pain?

Any help advice would be appreciated.
He's insured I've no clue if he will be covered if it's not caused by an accident.
 
How long were you riding him before the new saddle arrived? If the trouble only started once saddle was changed i'd imagine your issue is there. saddle fitters dont always get it 100% right at times. he might have pulled something as well if he was bucking in a deep arena. I wouldnt be panicing about kissing spine yet. if you look at it objectively this issues have only arisen since the new saddle arrived. If he was mine i'd get someone to examine the soreness in his back. Then when they are happy its not sore i'd pop on bareback and see how he felt. if there's pain in his back you'l feel it immediately.
 
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I haven't explained myself very well. When he first came we were using an old saddle that fit him but wasn't nice or comfortable to ride in. He was fine. Hubby offered to buy me a new saddle and saddle fitter (number 1) came out and "fitted" an old style bates. It did not fit at all but it looked fine until it was rode in. Couldn't tell there was anything wrong for a week until I had a lesson and my instuctor pointed out when I was rising in trot it was dropping at the front and flying up at the back and was really unhappy. Said saddle was immediately traded in to a more reputable saddle fitter in the area and bought a brand new saddle that fits perfectly. I've only had it two days but he's still really unhappy xx
 
but you never had any trouble behaviour wise in the old saddle?

I'd imagine the second saddle might have made him sore somewhere, and he's still feeling the effects maybe? Have you tried sitting on him bareback?
 
No at the start he was foot perfect and didn't bat an eye lid really. Plodded round really. As for bareback-That was my plan but after today I got on him after lunging him and he reared full height twice I don't want to risk it. Physio coming tomorrow hoping she has some answers. :( at a bit of a loose end tonight.
Maybe being paranoid because I've read that a horse with kissing spine can be fine when first starting to be ridden then will progressively get worse and this is feeling to me like what's happened to my boy.
 
if the change was so sudden after the new saddle then it's more likely to be that. he might have a trapped nerve or something. it seems to be very coincidental that his symptoms only started after the saddle change.

the other issue might be the deep arena surface. if it's very deep he might have pulled something working in it or just be struggling in it in general because of a different underlying physical issue. did he work in it ok before they changed it? have you experimented with him on different surfaces? is there any difference in his behaviour?if he's sore behind in his hocks or si he might be struggling to push himself through the deeper surface.

i've two with kissing spine and their symptoms were gradual and showed a pattern.

If it is kissing spine don't worry, there are treatments that can keep them in action, so don't despair!
 
See what the physio and vet say, but it sounds like the saddle could be the problem - it wouldn't be the first time a horse has reacted badly to a saddle that fits perfectly, and is seemingly happy in the old one that doesn't. I feel for you - let us know what they say, fingers crossed for you!
 
What I don't quite understand is why the saddle fitter seems to have sold you a saddle without seeing you ride in it, maybe I am misunderstanding but it comes across that the first sign of a problem is when you tried the saddle after the saddler had "fitted it" and sold it to you, it may appear to fit but it would not be the first time a horse has different ideas.
If you didn't try it before buying you should be able to return it if it is the cause of the bucking, I suspect the poor fitting saddles have made him sore and the new one may either have touched a sore spot or it is also unsuitable, just because it fits does not mean it suits him.
 
To add to the above, I'd agree that saddle fitters can get it wrong - I'm not saying yours has, but listen to the horse.As my vet told me, let him be the judge..... Just because a saddle fits, doesn't mean it's right for the horse... - My horse did/does have Kissing spines and I've seen a dramatic, immediate difference in his going when changed to a new saddle, despite a professional fitter and physio agreeing that previous saddle 'fitted'. Your new one that didn't fit may have caused some damage if it was 'flying up' at the back and landing down. I'd see what physio now says and my instinct would be a bit of lunging/inhand work to let the muscles settle and relax again - even a bit of time off might help!
 
Thanks everyone I suppose a physio session and bit of time off work and long lining won't do him any harm for a few weeks! Will see what she says tomorrow!
 
Oh he did see me ride in it. But I couldn't feel it for myself that it was rising. The saddle was returned. Used someone out of the area as was desperate and turns out he doesn't have the best reputation but didn't know that at the time! :(
 
Just to add - keep the saddler involved as well. They don't always get it right first time, and it doesn't make them a bad saddler; keep them in the loop so you can work through it with them. Easier than starting a new relationship with one each time, assuming you get on with and communicate with them!
 
I did try but unfortunately he became really defensive and started saying my horse was dangerous and these problems lied before the saddle was fitted which wasn't true, I think the worst he done when the saddler was there was prick his ears at another horse walking into the yard from the field. Maybe even moved a foot! GOD FORBID! Haha
 
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