how should a horses back look.. if it has a slope, how much of a slope is it too far, and could hurt the horse?
2007-05-07 14:22:05 · 6 answers · asked by Kat 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Many different breeds have different features, some horses like the Arabian, have short backs, as too like the Appaloosa, others like the TB have a long back. Regarding the slope of which a horses back should have, it should be relatively straight, however, due to age, and heath, the back can become swayed, making it look dipped. Many horses have a slight bend, as being ridden, puts some weight on their backs. It is fine to ride any horse, as long as they 'swayed' isn't too prominent and that the horse is still fit and healthy.
Basically, if your horse has a lareg dip, and it looks like its quite old, i would NOT reccomend riding it. It is probably best used asa companion or as a lawn mower. If it is still being ridden, then i would suggest lowering its activity, but keep up with exercises as many horses get older faster when they have gone in to retirement, as compared to horses into semi-retirement.
If you are conserned, i would also suggest speaking to your vet, as some horses may have an underlying problem to their swayed back if they are not old, eg. Arthritis etc.
I hope this helps
2007-05-07 14:35:07 · answer #1 · answered by Shorty 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the age. It doesn't hurt the horse when the back starts to slope because that is normal with age just like how women develop curves with age. It doesn't hurt us. My horse is about 17 and his back dips just a little. If the horse is young it should still curve but just barely. When the horse gets into it's late 20s it should start to slope drastically. But it's normal. Don't worry : )
2007-05-07 14:32:50 · answer #2 · answered by freakyfluter 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your horse had a very noticeable sway back. Talk to your vet about what course of action to take it you may just need to use a different type of saddle pad.
2007-05-08 07:00:32 · answer #3 · answered by Robyn B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the back sould be totally strait, but some horses have a deep sway back. some are born with it, but most get a sway after they start getting older.
if it looks totally deep and wierd to you, its too deep and should not be ridden.
no sway back is really "sore" they just cant be ridden. i cant really explain how low is too low. but most of the time you can just tell.
2007-05-08 03:28:41 · answer #4 · answered by hickchick210 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How old is it? What breed?
The higher the withers, the more the back will look like it drops off. Some breeds, like thoroughbreds and saddlebreds have steeper withers than quarterhorses.
2007-05-07 15:02:02 · answer #5 · answered by r2mm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there! It's too much detail to bring over, please check here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equine_conformation
see "the back"
They still describe it best. I think that's what you'll be looking for.
2007-05-07 15:12:04 · answer #6 · answered by Unicornrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋