Real Rider Resource
Sore Back In Horses
A sore back can make your horse tense, hollow, irritable, or hesitant to move forward. This quick guide helps you recognize what back pain looks like and what you can check right away.
What Riders Notice First
- Tension during grooming or saddling
- Short-strided or stiff movement
- Hollowing or head-tossing under saddle
- Resistance in transitions
A sore back is rarely “naughty behavior.” It’s your horse trying to protect a sensitive area.
Common Causes
- Poor saddle fit
- Weak topline or lack of core strength
- Rider imbalance or heavy hands
- Fatigue from long or hard schooling sessions
- Compensation from hock, stifle, or hoof issues
Quick Rider Checks
- Does your horse flinch when grooming the back
- Does stretching help or worsen the reaction
- Does the horse hollow as soon as you sit
- Is the stride shorter or choppier than normal
- Any swelling, heat, or sudden irritability
How Draw It Out® Fits In
Riders support back comfort with Draw It Out® 16oz Gel across the back and loin, RTU Spray after schooling, CryoSpray when cooling is appropriate, and MasterMudd™ EquiBrace for deeper muscle focus.
Want the full back soreness guide Dive deeper into causes, care steps, and red flags.
