Too often I see horses being punished for being naughty, resistant, or just not good enough. Nothing really seems to be wrong, but the horse is acting up or failing to perform for no apparent reason…or is it?

Back and hindquarter pain can have a variety of causes and locations, making problems notoriously difficult to recognise, diagnose and treat.

What are some difficulties in recognising this kind of problem?

The owner or rider may have trouble determining whether out-of-character behaviour is due to pain or training problems and confusion. The difference may be as subtle as a general lack of performance or willingness.

If the problem DOES seem to stem from a pain issue, vets may find it difficult to isolate the source of the pain. This is due to the fact that many back disorders share common symptoms, as well as many structures of the back being inaccessible.

Back pain may even be a result of problems elsewhere in the body (such as hoof imbalances), rather than a specific back disorder. And just to make things more difficult, some problems such as sacroiliac dysfunction may only present symptoms of pain in certain circumstances! For example, when the horse is asked to engage and carry more weight with the hindquarters.

Above all, there is a serious lack of knowledge about back disorders and how they should be diagnosed and treated.

What are some common signs of back pain?

If your horse presents with any of these symptoms, forget punishing them – alarm bells should be ringing.

Behavioural symptoms: Bucking, rearing, cold backed, tail swishing, teeth grinding, head shaking, general sourness, any out-of-character behaviour.

Handling: Reactions to grooming, placing saddle on back, girthing, etc.

Training problems: Crookedness, difficulty with one canter lead, resisting engagement, stiff and unable or unwilling to bend.

Asymmetry: Carrying tail to one side, unlevel gait, muscular asymmetry.

Other signs: Dragging toes, tripping, disuniting or bunny hopping in canter, reacting to pressure on back, dropping back when sore areas pulpated.

The symptoms are many and varied, and consequently are often dismissed as sheer naughtiness.

What are some tack related causes of back pain?

Tack must always be carefully selected and fitted to the horse.

Saddle fit: Too narrow or too wide, causing pressure to the wither area; panels crooked, placing rider in an unlevel position which causes the horse to compensate; channel too narrow; panels too flat or lump, etc.

Bridle/bit fit: If the horse is uncomfortable or in pain due to a poorly fitted bit or bridle, they may extend (hollow) the back and neck. Over time, this poor posture may cause back pain.

Improper/forceful use of training gadgets: Training aids may sometimes have a place in experienced hands, but forcing a horse into unnatural training positions using auxiliary reins and gadgets can cause stress on structures throughout the horse’s back and topline. If the gear creates tension, it isn’t a good idea – this will only exacerbate the issues the rider is trying to fix.

How can a rider go about preventing back pain in their horse?

First and foremost, all equipment must be correctly fitted to both horse and rider – even a saddle that fits the horse will cause problems if it puts the rider in a bad position.

Secondly, a horse MUST be trained to carry itself correctly no matter the discipline. Correct basic flatwork/dressage training establishes strong muscles and a good foundation for soundness in other disciplines. As stated by Denoix and Pailloux in Physical Therapy & Massage For The Horse, “engagement is the only way of exercising the horse without making it suffer.”

The horse’s feet must be kept in good balance, and have shoes refitted or feet trimmed regularly. Poorly balanced feet create issues higher up in the horse’s body.

A rider must know their horse’s conformational weaknesses that may predispose it to back pain. It is important to select a horse who is built for the discipline it is asked to do. The rider should maintain the horse’s soundness with appropriate training, and consult equine specialists e.g. massage therapists, physios and chiropractors when necessary (with veterinary approval if required).

The bottom line?

Be aware of your horse’s nuances. If you notice a change or come across a training difficulty, don’t punish – ask why. If any alarm bells start ringing, investigate immediately. Many back problems are treatable if caught early, with effective basic management programs. Ignoring the warning signs isn’t just unfair to the horse – it is dangerous to the rider. Horses don’t put up with pain forever.