Back (horse)
A complex design of bone, muscle, tendons and ligaments all work together to allow a horse to support the weight of a rider.
The Spinalis Dorsi originates on the fourth cervical vertebra and inserts beneath the thoracic section of the Trapezius.
The Longissimus dorsi originates from the last four cervical vertebrae, and courses along the spine, inserting eventually into the ilium and sacrum.
When being ridden, a horse's back may either be stiff or relaxed as it moves, depending on the tension and strength of ligaments, muscles or tendons; and is also influenced by training and physical level of condition.
The height of the withers also varies and affects freedom of shoulder movement, length of stride, and is a major area of concern in proper saddle fitting.
A horse's back and ribcage in cross section is often described as "deep" or "narrow" (sometimes "shallow"), depending on the width of the ribs and the depth of the heartgirth.
A horse that is in good physical condition, with well-developed abdominal and back muscles, will be able to carry more weight for a longer time than one that is not in shape.
A horse may also have very high bony withers, which is not generally a flaw, though they can make a saddle hard to fit.
Less often, a long-backed horse that is in poor condition may develop a sway at a younger age simply due to lack of exercise, particularly if kept in a stall or small pen for long periods without turnout.
Research into the genetics underlying the condition has several values beyond just the Saddlebred breed as it may "serve as a model for investigating congenital skeletal deformities in horses and other species.
A horse with a long back and loin, while often considered a trait associated with smooth gaits, is prone to developing a swayback sooner than average.
On the other hand, it makes it harder for the horse to lift or "round" the back to develop speed or engage the hindquarters for high levels of collection.
It takes longer to develop the muscles in a long back, and they are more prone to muscular strain and swayback as they age.
A moderately short back is generally a desirable trait and can be seen in any breed, though it is more common in American Quarter Horses, Arabians, and Morgans.
Saddle fit, poor riding technique, lack of conditioning, overwork, accidents, or lameness can all contribute to back pain.
A saddle that is not fitted properly on the horse may lead to immediate, acute pain, or chronic, long-term damage.
A saddle of ill fit will repeatedly bruise, pinch, or rub the underlying soft tissue or spinal processes.
Radiographs (X-Rays) can be used to diagnose potential problems with cracked vertebrae, some forms of arthritis, impinging dorsal spinous processes (kissing spines), and other skeletal problems, although with large, heavily muscled animals this diagnostic modality is limited.
Like humans, back pain in horses may be treated by acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic treatments, ultrasound, simple rest, targeted exercises, or a combination of any of the above.
Degenerative or arthritic back pain is much harder to treat, so prompt attention is advisable in order to avoid a long-term problem.
Back pain related to stress or injury may require rest and time without being ridden, with a gradual return to work.
