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Symptoms

The symptoms your horse/pony may show if it has a bad back are wide ranging, from the subtle to the extreme.

Here is a list of the more common symptoms that indicate a problem:

• Stiffness on one (or even both) reins
• Cold backed
• Upset or aggressive behaviour when being groomed/tacked up
• Refusing to jump
• Unable to bascule over fences
• Rushing fences
• Rearing, bucking and even bolting
• Difficulty striking off on the correct canter lead
• Difficulty getting the horse/pony to work in an outline
• Head-shy (this can include difficulty grooming around the ears/top of the head)
• Won’t stand still to be mounted
• Any unexplained decrease in the level of performance
• Uneven muscle development
• Uneven shoe wear
• Carrying the tail to one side
• Unexplained intermittent lameness
• Unable to stand square
• Always resting on the same leg or not resting and constantly shuffling with back feet

Remember; always consult your vet if you are concerned your horse/pony may have a physical problem. They should always be your first port of call and don’t forget I need veterinary permission before I can treat your horse/pony!

© 2006 Faye Keyte