Overthinking potential back issues with new horse!!

[EV100]

I've recently started part loaning a lovely ex racer but have managed to get myself all caught up in worrying about whether or not he has back pain, and its made me hesitant to ride him in case im causing any damage!

The horse has two maybe 2 inch ish hard lumps (almost like bone) down the centre of his back, one in the loin area and one in the middle of his croup. I asked the owner about these and he said its something to do with his sacroiliac (alarm bells!) but the physio has said hes fine to ride, just not on tight circles.

He doesn't exhibit any pain when tacking up but gets quite restless at the mounting block however, and will lift a hind leg and swing away/move back/move forwards to avoid being mounted - although nothing nasty. When I ride him he feels quite stiff and unbalanced, and almost feels like he gets very collected and small at times. He will occasionally jerk his head up as well - but these could just be due to lack of schooling! I'm just completely overthinking all of this, I really enjoy his company and just want him to be happy with his work really.

He has never bucked, reared, bolted or even spooked with me yet and is normally good as gold in the arena (verging on lazy at times). Do any of you know anything about these lumps? I'm also wondering how best to approach it with his owner again, as I dont want him to be offended by me not just accepting that he's said he's fine to ride - so tricky when the horse isnt yours to arrange vet visits etc.

 

[eventer and proud]

I would get a phiso to look at him, it may be nothing but it may be something. Otherwise try giving him a few weeks off and apply ice gel (or something like that ) each day, it may give them a chance to heal if it is something. Or a thick saddle pad (like a polypad) if it doesnt cause the saddle to become to tight. Last resort call the vet, it may be something easy to treat.

 

[Equi]

Considering physio has looked at him I would just say they're from his "flat out" days. My horse has them too from hunting I suspect.

The best thing for him will be riding long and low to build up his topline and strengthen and loosen his back end. Lots of long rein work in walk over stretching poles building up to trot in the same - eventually picking up more and more contact when he is working long and low consistently.

My vet said the worst thing I can do for my horse is not ride, or ride hideously improperly. Point being he needs ridden sympathetically to keep him fit to ride.