Why learn to palpate a horse’s back for soreness? Back pain can be common in horses. “There are numerous reasons that a horse can have a sore back,” said Sina Parsaye, DVM.
(Editor’s note: The content of this video is the expert’s approach to the topic. Please consult with your practitioner if you have questions.)
Causes and Signs of a Horse’s Sore Back
Parsaye said there are many things that can cause a horse to have a sore back. Those include poor-fitting tack, poor riding posture, and poor equine conformation.
Signs that your horse might have a sore back can include sensitivity in the area while grooming and sensitivity while tacking up.
Identify Back Pain
Identifying back pain in horses can be done with palpation. This needs to be done in a consistent and steady manner.
The amount of pressure you use is important so you don’t get a false positive response.
As you palpate down the back from the withers, you are looking to see if any of the muscles are “super-sensitive or sore,” said Parsaye. “If you find an area that is super sensitive or sore, try to go back to that area after a little bit of time to see if you can elicit the same response.
Back Pain Indicators
While palpating down your horse’s spine, there are certain things that might indicate that he or she has back pain.
Some of these include pinning of the ears, swishing of the tail, looking back, or even trying to bite.
Final Words
“If you feel that your horse has back pain or discomfort—or might have an injury to his spine—contact your primary veterinarian to have a full consult,” said Parsaye.
