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- World Equestrian Games Reining Gold Medalist
"The Back Pad is part of our daily maintenance for all of our show horses and we have found it to be an invaluable part of our program. With regular use, our horses start out much softer throught their bodies; we have fewer incidents of back soreness and are much happier overall. I love that the unit is so portable and that it is very easy to use. Thank you for this quality product and for your support!
- “Niagara Equissage is an important part of our training program. We use it everyday, especially before working both young and old horses. It helps them loosen up and be comfortable and ready to work. It helps our show horses go better, and improves the demeanor of our school horses. The results we get from the Niagara Equissage on our 23 year old horse are fabulous.”
- Racehorse Trainer in Ireland
My entire yard has been on Brandes Formula for the past year. It is an excellent equine supplement that has helped to keep my horses healthy throughout the season. I would highly recommend Brandes Formula!
