Back problems in horses can start small and grow into major issues if left untreated. Whether your horse is a lesson mount or your personal partner in the arena, knowing how to care for their back is essential for their comfort, soundness, and long-term performance.
At WildHeart Riding School, we believe that riding well begins with caring well. Our students learn not just how to sit correctly in the saddle, but also how to notice early warning signs of soreness and provide relief before issues escalate.
A horse’s back is made up of a complex network of bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. It supports the rider’s weight, absorbs shock, and plays a critical role in movement and flexibility. The vertebrae in the thoracic and lumbar regions are especially important, as they sit directly under the saddle.
When there’s pain or tightness in the back, everything from gait to attitude can change. Some horses may become resistant to being saddled or develop behavioral problems that seem unrelated but are rooted in physical discomfort.
Before treating any back issue, it’s crucial to understand the root cause. At WildHeart Riding School, we evaluate all horses in training for the following risk factors:
An ill-fitting saddle creates pressure points and causes rubbing, muscle atrophy, or spinal compression. Even expensive saddles can be problematic if not properly fitted.
Just like people, horses need a strong core to support their spine. Weakness in the abdominals and topline muscles can lead to sagging backs and discomfort.
Riders who are off-balance, heavy-handed, or stiff can unintentionally cause back strain. Our instructors constantly monitor rider posture to protect our horses.
Some horses are predisposed to back soreness due to their build—long backs, swaybacks, or poor muscling can increase stress in this area.
Old falls, improper training, or even a bad trailering experience can leave lasting tension in the back muscles.
Horses that are worked too hard, or not conditioned properly, may suffer from muscular strain and fatigue.
Some horses are stoic, while others will clearly show discomfort. Here’s what to watch for:
At WildHeart, we encourage riders to take these signs seriously and act quickly to prevent long-term problems.
Even if your horse isn’t showing signs of pain, routine back care should be part of your everyday prep and cool-down.
Use a rubber curry comb to loosen dirt and stimulate circulation, followed by a stiff-bristle brush across the topline. Feel for any heat, swelling, or sensitivity.
Before tacking up, run your hands along the spine and muscles next to it. Watch your horse’s reaction. Any twitching, flinching, or tail swishing might indicate a sore spot.
Choose one with good cushioning and moisture-wicking properties. At WildHeart, we use pads that are contoured to the horse’s back and cleaned regularly to avoid buildup.
In hot weather or after a hard workout, a cooling liniment can help soothe tired muscles. Look for one with natural ingredients and apply with a sponge or towel.
Back recovery doesn’t stop when you dismount.
We teach our riders at WildHeart to incorporate stretches and groundwork to strengthen the topline.
Encourage your horse to reach for a treat toward their side, between the front legs, or up high to stretch neck and back muscles.
Run a blunt object gently along the horse’s belly to encourage them to lift their back. This activates core muscles and improves posture.
Trotting over low poles encourages a lifted frame and engages the back and abdominal muscles.
Ask the horse to back in-hand or under saddle in a straight line. This helps build strength and alignment.
Walking up and down gentle hills builds muscle support along the spine.
Some issues require more than home care. At WildHeart Riding School, we collaborate with local veterinarians, chiropractors, and equine massage therapists to treat the following:
Diagnostic tools like thermal imaging, ultrasound, and spinal manipulation can help pinpoint the problem and guide treatment.
Massage isn’t just for luxury—it’s an effective tool for improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and preventing injury.
You can learn basic massage techniques to apply after rides, such as:
Professional equine massage therapists may use techniques like trigger point therapy, myofascial release, or acupressure. At WildHeart, we bring in certified therapists on a regular basis to keep our school horses performing their best.
For horses with ongoing issues or high-level athletes, consider additional therapies:
Many of these tools are becoming more accessible to riders and barn owners. Always consult a professional before beginning any new therapy.
Caring for a horse’s back isn’t just about reacting to pain. It’s about building habits that prevent discomfort from developing in the first place.
Here’s what we emphasize at WildHeart Riding School:
When riders know what to look for and take proactive steps, horses stay healthier, perform better, and build trust with their handlers.
We believe that caring for the horse is just as important as riding it. That’s why we teach every student—from the youngest beginner to the adult rider—how to groom, massage, and evaluate their horse’s back. It builds awareness, respect, and confidence in the saddle.
If you’re interested in learning more about equine care and building your skills from the ground up, WildHeart Riding School offers lessons that include hands-on horse management. Located just 8 minutes from Oviedo Mall and 30 minutes from downtown Orlando, we’re committed to developing well-rounded riders who know what it means to truly care for a horse.
