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Kissing Spine in Horses: Back Checks, Vet Guidance, and Routine Awareness

July 7, 2021
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AAEP-Style Care Note

Kissing Spine (ORDSP): Plain-English Management + Supportive Topical Routine

Diagnosis and treatment decisions belong with your veterinarian. The routine below focuses on comfort, saddle fit, and day-to-day management riders control.

What riders notice

  • Back sensitivity on grooming or saddling; reluctance to round or lift the back
  • Changes in way of going under saddle; evasions, tightness, shortened stride
  • General sourness with collected work or transitions
First step: Get a veterinary work-up (history, exam, imaging as indicated). Align on a plan that may include conditioning changes, targeted exercises, saddle fit, and vet-directed therapies.

Barn-side management you can implement

  • Saddle/pad fit: Reassess tree width, panel contact, and shim strategy; keep pads clean/dry.
  • Warm-up & cool-down: Longer walking, gentle bend/serpentine, ground poles at comfortable spacing.
  • Strength basics: Carrot stretches, raised cavaletti at walk, hill work (as cleared by your vet).
  • Surface & schedule: Favor consistent footing; avoid sudden workload spikes.

Supportive topical routine with Draw It Out®

Topicals are grooming/massage aids. They do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Use externally on intact skin only.

Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel (ready-to-use)

  • Apply a thin layer over large muscle groups (either side of spine—avoid direct pressure on bony processes), loin, and glutes.
  • Massage with flat hand: long strokes then light circles to encourage relaxation.
  • Use pre-ride (light) or post-ride; allow to dry, no rinse needed.
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Draw It Out® Concentrate (spray/brace, 1:1 with water)

  • Mix 1 part Concentrate : 1 part water in a clean spray bottle; shake.
  • Spray 6–8 inches from coat to lightly dampen topline; hand-rub to distribute; air-dry.
  • For spray-shy horses, apply with a clean sponge/cloth.
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Frequency & safety

  • As a routine, once daily on work days; increase only as label permits and horse tolerates.
  • Avoid eyes, mucous membranes, and open skin. Do not occlude tightly unless advised by your veterinarian.
  • If discomfort persists or worsens, stop topical use and contact your vet to reassess the plan.
Skin Care

Why Rapid Relief Restorative Cream

A tidy, fragrance-free topical for everyday skin-care needs—built to pair with your grooming routine.

What it’s for

  • Routine skin care: Supports a clean, well-conditioned skin surface during daily grooming.
  • Show-friendly: Fragrance & dye free; dries without heavy, sticky residue when used as directed.

What’s inside (at a glance)

  • Conditioning system with aloe, shea, and coconut-derived emollients
  • Surface hygiene frame: zinc oxide + zinc pyrithione

How riders use it

  • Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin; allow to dry.
  • External use on intact skin only; avoid eyes and sensitive tissues.
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Further Reading