Help please - my new horse has a sore back?

Question

She had been ridden in any old saddle and was sore below the back of the saddle - she now has a new good fitting saddle but is still a little sore - slight pain response to firm pressure ie dips very slightly. Is there anything I can do in terms of massage, exercises, creams or gels that might help? (our vet is not a horse specialist and difficult to find one where we live). She has a few small skin lumps also at the site which I presume are from pressure/movement of previous saddle

the sores aren't really sore - just firm lumps - were there when she had 5 stage vetting and diagnosed as collagen necrosis - vet thought were due to poor saddle fit. The vetting took place many miles from where we live so getting that vet to look at her is not an option. I would stress that the soreness is fairly mild - no apparant discomfort when riding - working well in outline but just tender to firm finger point pressure over the paralumbar muscles.

Answer 1

best thing is to contact an equine specialist vet (yellow pages) or try the british horse society*,
you can get foam under saddle pads and gel filled ones too i think to mold to her back causing less pressure spots
and gentle exercise on a lead rein till pain is gone

hope i helped

Answer 2

You have taken the first step by getting a better fit with the saddle. You could help diminish the soreness by seeking the services of an equine massage therapist. Although I would also seek the advice of the vet regarding the lumps. They may not have been caused by the previous saddles, and be the focal point of the pain. The saddle may be irritating these lumps and surrounding tissue.

Answer 3

What I wouldn't do is ride her right now by ny means. When horses are in pain they can and will develop bad habits. Example, if the saddle is making her sore she will see the saddle as pain and could start shying from the saddle, bucking, or trying to bite when cinching her up or if your english, girthing her up! I would put her on bute a couple days and let her be. Deffinitely wait for the bumps to go away before you put the saddle back on. As long as the bumps don't become open sore, don't do nothing with them. Buy a new well fitting saddle. Most tack shops will let you take the saddle to be sure it fits your horse before you buy it. Build up its back with proper padding if need be. Theres all kinds of pads put there now.

Answer 4

if it was my horse i would have the vet come check out the bumps and treat the sores, if it was impossible to find a chiroprater, osteopath or massaeuse then i would give him a week off with lots of turnout to give his back a chance to recover before starting with some lunging excersises to build up the back muscles that have been lost or damaged.

Work the horse long and low, i find a harbridge works well. once he stops reacting to pressure on his back and the sores have healed, you can start riding again. but take it easy at first, your horse will let you know if he is still in pain. if after 2 or three weeks he is no better you really need to find a proffesional to help you

This is only my personal opinion, it's your horse, trust your instincts, and listen to your horse, you'll know what to do.

good luck

Answer 5

THere are better saddle pads available.
However, I refuse to work a horse that's hurt.
THe sores you mention....is it rain scald?
If so, use a good anti-bacterial soap on it & get that healed.
Nitro-furazone topical spray or ointment would not hurt, either.
If the saddle was misfit, have you looked at the bit?
.
.
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You need to provide complete comfort for your horse to get 100% out of them.

Answer 6

Are there any alternative practitioners in your area? I've had huge sucess with Bowen Technique therapists & McTimoney Chiropractics on my competition horses when they have had sore backs. Look on the link attached below, Beth Darrell is actually a friend of mine & has worked on my horses. She will probably be able to recommend someone in your area who can help you.

Answer 7

I would say give her a rest, ride bareback for a while if she's ok with that. You may be able to contact your local university, most larger ones have an equine program and most likely an equine vet.

Answer 8

My family and I have been into horses for 30 years. My sisters are barrel racers. We have a horse chiropractor come out once a month and adjust all of our horses. I seems to work out quite well. I would ask your vet or shoer I they now of any in your area.

Answer 9

Just rest her and keep an eye on the skin lumps which could become infected sores.

Answer 10

try putting icey hot on her back trust me it works good luck!