HORSES

ACUTE CAUSES

  • Slipping/falling when being ridden or in the field
  • Becoming cast in the stable
  • Slipping/falling during travelling
  • Severe bucking or rearing
CHRONIC CAUSES

  • Ill-fitting tack
  • Poor foot balance
  • Conformational faults
  • Asymmetric muscle development
  • Dental problems 
  • Repetitive/ strenuous work
  • Compensation from an injury/lameness
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Asymmetric muscle development and pelvic alignment can cause pain and tension
Lower limb injuries or weak conformation can cause compensations in the muscles in the upper limb and body
SIGNS OF BACK PAIN

Changing in sensitivity over the back when grooming/saddling/rugging
Uncharacteristic bucking/rearing/napping
Reduced ability to perform at usual standard
Reluctance to work in an outline/hollowing the back
Stiffness on one rein/reluctance to bend
Head shaking/tilting the head
Inability/reluctance to strike off or maintain a particular canter leadGoing disunited in the canter
Lack of impulsion and forward movement
Beginning to refuse jumps/rushing jumps/knocking down poles/running out
Loss of ability to bascule over a fence
Drifting to one side over a fence
Unlevelness/stiffness, particularly behind
Behavioural changes, lethargy, or grumpiness
Reluctance to stand square 
Cold backed/moving when mounted
Uneven stride/lameness, where alternative causes have been eliminated by a vet
Palpation is a useful tool to check for sensitivity and pain in the muscles and skeleton.
If you are unsure or have any questions regarding your animal please do not hesitate to contact Lucy on:
Telephone - 07849 867987 / 01844 343091
Email - lucy@animalspine.com