Back pain is common in horses. “There are numerous reasons that a horse can have a sore back,” said Sina Parsaye, DVM. Therefore, it’s important to learn how to palpate your horse’s back to check for soreness.

(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 Back Pain in Horses

Parsaye said back pain in horses can result from poor-fitting tack, poor riding posture, and poor conformation.

Signs that your horse might have a sore back include sensitivity in the area while grooming and sensitivity while tacking up.

How to Identify Back Pain

Palpating your horse’s back can help you identify pain. You must palpate in a consistent and steady manner, being mindful of the amount of pressure you use so you don’t get a false positive response.

As you palpate down the back from the withers, you are checking 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, certain signs can alert you to 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.

Further Content

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