Preventing a Sore Back in Horses
Now that Buddy's better, we're on a program to prevent his sore back from recurring. Here are the written instructions from our vet:
This is wonderful news!So now you want to keep a close eye on Buddy, watching for pain to return and catching it before it gets to the bucking/bolting stage. It would be good to incorporate some strengthening/stretching exercises in his riding. Your instructor can help you with this- asking him to lift his back, for example: warm up, then either start or finish up the ride with 3 to 5 minutes of "long and low" large serpentines/changes of rein -or- a few ground pole exercises (3-5 poles) -or- trotting or slow cantering uphill in 2-point. When you get off and groom him, ask him to lift his back several times by running your hand under his midline, then have him stretch his nose down to between his front legs for a treat. If he begins to get sore again, we can catch it early and modify his training schedule and/or help him out with a little medication.
Isn't our vet great? We love her and hope to see her infrequently.
Lily enjoyed having instructions to follow this morning. Buddy enjoyed getting treats for flexing his neck. And no, he wasn't cussing.
Good advice from the vet. Glad Buddy's feeling a little better. If you and your daughter want to try some good stretching routines for Buddy, there is a great book on horse stretches and the proper techniques to use.
' The Path to Perfect Suppleness' by Karin Blignault
I bought mine at Amazon.com
Posted by: Grey Horse Matters | June 13, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Nice to get such detailed instructions. Half the time our vet leaves the barn and I am left scratching my head. Glad to hear he is doing better.
Posted by: photogchic | June 14, 2008 at 01:29 AM
I've seen excellent results with an equine chiropractor. It might be a good idea to have Buddy examined, and adjusted if necessary. Even a well cared for horse can get out of alignment through a simple mishap such as getting cast. Bucking might be interpreted as a horse trying to self-adjust.
Posted by: Transylvanianhorseman | June 14, 2008 at 05:58 AM
Good boy Buddy. I hope he stays well. If they could only talk or point.
Posted by: Molly | June 14, 2008 at 09:16 AM
That is a great stretching routine. Megan taught her horse to bow(by accident) by doing the "between the front legs" stretch.
The Transylvanian Horseman's chiro idea is also good. I have "fixed" many a horse bought out of the loose pen just by having the chiro work on them a couple of times. Bucking and some rearing is definitely caused by sore backs, necks, hips and polls.
Good luck and I hope Buddy makes a full recovery back to himself.
Posted by: BrownEyedCowgirls | June 14, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Oh I'm going to use some of these techniques on my horses. Thank you :)
Posted by: Beckz | June 16, 2008 at 04:04 AM