A cold back horse often shows discomfort when pressure is applied to its back, particularly in the saddle area. Because riding inevitably places weight on this area, activities such as saddling and mounting can be especially painful for affected horses. Signs exhibited by a cold back horse include pain or sensitivity in the area of the back underneath where the saddle sits.
Your horse may also display:
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Stiffness
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Reluctance to move
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Tension and bracing when the saddle is placed
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Bucking or avoidance during mounting
After warming up, the symptoms can improve as the muscle stiffness reduces.
How is this Different from Other Back Issues?
Since horses cannot speak, it can be difficult to diagnose pain or discomfort as the primary symptom. Cold back is often mistaken for lameness or behavioral issues. It can be particularly challenging to distinguish from other conditions because of the area and type of pressure involved. However, while horses with a cold back may show signs of pain or discomfort during saddling and mounting, these symptoms may improve as they begin to move and warm up.
Cold back is often caused by:
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Poor saddle fit
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Muscle tightness
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Previous trauma
Which Breeds are Most Affected?
Cold back might seem to be an issue tied to certain breeds, but it’s actually more about what the horse does. Horses in high-impact sports, such as jumping or eventing, are much more likely to develop a cold back.
Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods, popular breeds for these activities due to their strong and athletic builds, are commonly affected. However, any horse exposed to improper training, trauma, or ill-fitting tack can develop the condition.
Symptoms of a Cold Back
A horse suffering from a cold back may show you it is in pain through its actions. Oftentimes, the horse will hollow or dip as the rider mounts. This is a motion to pull the back away from the pressure. You may also see a horse pin its ears, swish its tail aggressively, or suddenly start bucking.
The horse’s gait may also show signs of stiffness, particularly in the walk or trot. Your horse may resist the mounting or tacking process completely to avoid the pressure of the saddle or the weight of the rider. In more severe cases, the horse may also show signs of anxiety or nervousness during mounting.
Diagnosis of Cold Back
Your veterinarian will review the horse’s medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will palpate the back and surrounding areas, checking for points of pain, swelling, heat, or tension. If necessary, the veterinarian will also conduct a neurological assessment to determine if nerve involvement is present.
Finally, your veterinarian will assess your horse’s gait and posture, both at rest and in motion. Typically, X-rays or ultrasound are used to evaluate the skeletal structure and surrounding soft tissue.
Management and Treatment Strategies
Treating a cold back starts with treating the cause. First, address any ill-fitting tack. You will want to get a saddle that fits correctly. If modifications are needed, your veterinarian may make some suggestions based on the shape of your horse’s back. For a while, you may need to adjust your horse’s daily routine.
Warm-up before exercise and saddling is vital. This will help increase blood flow and loosen the muscles. Correcting a cold back takes time and patience for the body to heal.
