Sore Back in Horses | Causes, Signs, Care, and When to Call the Vet

 

Topline Comfort

Sore Back In Horses

A sore back can show up as tension, hollowing, short strides, girthiness, or behavior changes under saddle. This guide helps you understand what back soreness really means, what to check, and when soreness signals deeper issues.

What You Are Seeing

What Back Soreness Really Means

Your horse’s back absorbs impact, stabilizes movement, and carries the weight of the rider. When it becomes sore, it signals strain, tension, weakness, or compensation for pain elsewhere.

Some horses show mild stiffness; others show dramatic behavior changes because the back is a sensitive feedback zone.

A horse with a sore back is not misbehaving — they are protecting themselves from discomfort.
Why It Happens

Common Causes Of Back Soreness

  • Saddle Fit Problems: pinching, bridging, rocking, or pressure points.
  • Weak Topline: lack of core strength leading to overcompensation.
  • Rider Imbalance: crooked or heavy riding that stresses the back.
  • Strain From Work: fast work, sudden increases in training, or long sessions.
  • Compensation Pain: sore hocks, stifles, or front feet causing the back to brace.
  • Trauma: slips, falls, or impact with objects.
  • Kissing Spine: overlapping dorsal spinous processes — a vet-diagnosed condition.

Back soreness is often the symptom — not the root cause — which is why early observation matters.

Real Rider Routine

A Three Step Plan For Mild Back Soreness

Use this plan when your horse is not lame, has mild tension, and shows no heat or major behavioral changes.

Step 1

Lengthen & Loosen

Start rides with long, low stretching at the walk and trot. Encourage relaxation before adding difficulty or collection.

Step 2

Strengthen The Core

Hill work, poles, transitions within the gait, and engagement work help develop the topline and protect the back.

Step 3

Support Soft Tissue Comfort

Consistent comfort routines help the long back muscles recover from training demands and reduce tension buildup.

Back comfort builds confidence. When your horse feels good in their back, every ride improves.
Explore Products
Where Our Products Fit

How Riders Use Draw It Out® For Back Support

  • Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel across the back, loins, and girth area before and after rides.
  • Draw It Out® RTU Spray along large muscle groups after long schooling sessions.
  • CryoSpray Cooling Body Brace for targeted cooling when appropriate per veterinarian guidance.
  • MasterMudd™ EquiBrace for deeper soft tissue focus identified by your vet or bodyworker.

Sore Back In Horses — FAQ

What are early signs of a sore back

Early signs include tension during grooming, girthiness, hollowing under saddle, stiff transitions, reluctance to move forward, or short-strided movement.

Can saddle fit really cause back pain

Yes. Poorly fitted saddles are one of the most common causes of back soreness due to pinching, pressure points, and uneven weight distribution.

Why does my horse get sore after riding

Back soreness after rides can come from muscle fatigue, weak topline, poor warmup, rider imbalance, or working on difficult footing.

Should I ride a horse with back pain

Avoid riding if your horse shows clear discomfort, explosive behavior, heat, or swelling along the back. Riding through pain increases risk of strain or injury.

How does Draw It Out® help with back soreness

Draw It Out® products support soft tissue comfort and circulation along key muscle groups. Riders use them across the back, loins, and girth area as part of warmups, cooldowns, and recovery routines.

This guide is for education only. If your horse has sudden severe back pain, extreme behavioral reactions, swelling, heat, or movement changes, contact your veterinarian immediately.