Horse Cold Back
Cold back is a term used to describe a horse that displays behaviours or has symptoms indicating back pain.
Many horses considered to be ‘cold backed’ respond to saddle pressure by dipping or raising their backs. Horses may show symptoms when the saddle is initially put on or the rider first mounts. After the back muscles warm up symptoms disappear.
It is thought that the acute reaction seen in horses with cold back is caused by stimulation of sensitive nerve endings. Such stimulation may be caused by an ill fitting saddle or stretching of immobile or injured tissue.
Can Niagara Equissage help with Horse Cold Back?
Yes it can.
However it is important in the first instance to eliminate any obvious causes due to the saddle, chiropractic issues (such as Kissing Spine), soreness triggered by a rider sitting inaccurately over a period of time, incorrect muscle development, etc.
Even when all possible causes have been ruled out, some horses remain “cold backed” due to increased sensitivity in the saddle area. By using Niagara Equissage to thoroughly warm the muscles of the back prior to being ridden, the horse instantly rounding its back when mounted can effectively be ruled out.
Even though such horses are routinely lunged prior to being mounted to help release tension and stretch the muscles, this does not always prevent a tentative few moments under saddle as some horses do not relax enough for this to be of benefit.
Niagara Equissage has the advantage of reaching much deeper into the body and so having a positive effect on the secondary layer of muscles as opposed to just having an effect on the superficial layer, it builds up uniform heat throughout the muscles as well as working on all the muscles as a whole so that generally the horse is more loose and relaxed – all without any weight initially being placed on the back.
Application
A routine 20 minute application (medium or higher setting if the horse will allow) to act as a preliminary warm-up prior to the horse being tacked up is all that is required to manage cold back.
As it is muscle that is the target area, then a higher setting will be of more benefit so as to provide a thoroughly therapeutic massage.
Point to note: After working the horse or at the end of a hack, be sure to allow a few minutes walking on a long rein encouraging the horse to stretch and relax its back muscles – which of course is all part of a good management routine anyway.
Testimonials
See All- “The Niagara Equissage has become invaluable to us in the recuperation of our training horses. Its advantages are too numerous to mention, and the horses seem to enjoy the luxury. We also use it on stallions, mares, and yearlings.”
- International 3 Day Event Rider
The Brandes Formula really helps to keep my horses feeling 100% on long journeys, and I have also noticed a big improvement in their stamina and focus when I have given it to them before the cross country phase. The AfterAce has improved the freedom of movement in all of my horses this year, and has really aided in their recovery from the stresses of eventing - both products are an important part of competition and daily maintenance for my horses.
- “I had a mare with a slight tear of the suspensory ligament. I had her scanned again after 30 days and was advised to give her another 60 days rest. I got the Niagara Equissage and used the Leg Boot in conjunction with the Back Pad for the next 30 days and had her scanned again, the suspensory was healed to my vet’s amazement.”
