Is it bad for horses to have a short back?

Question

When looking at a horses conformation, is it bad for them to have a short back?

Answer 1

No it is not bad for a horse to have a short back, again there are many factors in this question.

If the horse is just hanging out in the pastures, and killing time eating hay and breeding, a short back is irrelevant.

Certain breed, like the Quarter horse are well known for shorter backs, this is why they are used for Reining, Roping and other western competition sport.

Jumping horses, like the thoroughbred, Hanoverin, etc are generally long back horses. Race horses, and endurance horses are also preferable with long backs.

There are also factors to take into account with long back horses used for highly competitive sports work. The long back horses have tendency's to joint problems and laments.

The best way to look after any horses back, short or long, is to create a strengthen of the back through collection exercises. The collection develops the hind muscles of the horse, as well as the shoulder and neck muscles.

The weight of the rider, the comfort of the saddle and the blanket, the use of gel pads and correct shooing (for balance and posture) are fundamental for good back development.

Some breed have a natural long back, and others a natural short back, so depending on the purpose of the acquisition or ownership of the horse.

Answer 2

In comparison to their underline, the back should be shorter. If it's too long it will cause problems later in life and the horse is more likely to become sway backed. But at the same time, you don't want it to be too short. I think it's better that they have a shorter back than a longer back. You're not going to find a horse with perfect conformation. While the short back is a conformation fault, I don't think it's as bad as some of the others.

Answer 3

It is a conformation fault. It will give you a choppy strides when you ride it. It may give you a sway-back look to it when she/he will get in her last years. It shouldn't affect her/his legs and the rest of her body. She/he will be a good gaming horse to get around those barrels faster.