What would be a normal horses reaction to .... [back question]

H

HBII

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 November 2006
Messages
4,484
Visit site
Another one of my musings ......

If you were to run your index finger and thumb along the muscles either side of a horses spine what would be the normal reaction?

Would you expect .......

To horse to dip out/hollow?
To pull a face?
To have no reaction?

And would you expect it to be .......

Normal behaviour
Expected behaviour
An adverse reaction caused by something

Thanks

Hb
 
If everything was fine I would have guessed no reaction.

But if they are supposed to dip has Chum being having me on all along
tongue.gif
grin.gif
 
They are supposed to dip due to reflex points according to my vet / saddler / chiro - obviously not throw themselves on the floor but should move away.

If you do the opposite (run thumb firmly along midling under belly) they should roach their back
 
[ QUOTE ]
If you do the opposite (run thumb firmly along midling under belly) they should roach their back

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh i havent tried the belly one before i think ill give it ago tonight.
grin.gif
 
lol be cautious with the belly one - some horses are quite opposed to it and kick, i know my old mare was lol....

Ive always been led to believe there shouldnt be much of a reaction at all...really they should have a reaction to running somthing hard down the bum cheek *so to speak*, then they should roach etc
 
It depends on the pressure used. A normal horse will dip when you reach the 'reflex' points along the sides of the spine and will roach if you run a pen or a hoof pick down the buttock. If there is no reaction at all or a violent reaction when the correct pressure is exerted then I would say there was some sort of problem.

Be careful with belly lifts as these are a big effort for many horses and some can object....wear a hat.
 
Hmmm, haven't tried latest horse who is gelding; mare-ish mare I sold in Oct would dip move away, and try to kick!

This because she was expecting it and didn't like it. Occasionally perhaps two days in a season, no reaction.
 
I do often run my fingers down my horse's back. If I don't get a reaction I am happy. If I do get a twitching of muscles I tend to be concerned and if it persists, I get the physio out.
 
A saddler tried the belly one on our horse - if her previous owner hadn't had such a tight hold of her he probably wouldn't still be alive!
These things best left to the experts...
 
When I sold my kids pony the vet that came to vet him ran her pen down each side of his spine....... he dropped his back in what I thought was an extreme reaction to pain..... I was horrified
shocked.gif
that turned to embarrasment when she told me that if he didnt have that reaction she would have been worried......

Its normal to have a reaction.
grin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]

If theres nothing wrong, there shouldnt be any reaction at all.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree totally. Have spent much time with good saddle fitters.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top