Muscles key to healthy equine spine

Just like in humans, the horse’s spine is made up of bone, ligaments, muscles and discs; equine discs are relatively thin compared to a human’s, and therefore horses don’t suffer from slipped discs and disc pain like humans can.

Even though the horse’s spine is horizontal, it loads similarly to a human’s in that it compresses together when force is applied.

If a joint becomes ‘stuck’ and normal range of motion is reduced it can be due to an abnormal movement, poorly fitting saddle, poor rider position or injury – it can then become painful and cause adjacent muscle spasms.

A qualified animal chiropractor can help get the joints moving normally again and release the resulting muscle spasms through manipulation ensuring the join and muscle release.

Excessive mobility of the bones in the spine during motion is not the key – it is the muscles which need to be supple in order to control the movement of the spine.

Therefore your horse’s performance can be hugely hindered by tight muscles and joints.

The condition of the “topline” is vital as it allows the horse to distribute the weight of the rider and the saddle.

A hollow outline of weak abdominal muscles will reduce the spine’s stability and lead to injury.

The importance of balance

The weight distribution of the rider is a key element to allow propulsion, elasticity and hopefully engagement.

If a rider is sitting crooked then the horse has to compensate for the shift in weight by adapting to their motion – sometimes this will be subtle as they throw you off the forehand on one rein or more obviously when they show areas of back or shoulder muscle atrophy (wastage).

In my experience long- term compensatory gaits are the main ‘evasion’ techniques used by horses.

They can hide a lameness for some time before it becomes symptomatic.

Sometimes there is no obvious pain so it is vital to get a horse checked to ensure they aren’t compensating in any way.

Chiropractic and rider performance

Our main aim for riders is to ensure posture is straightened out and muscle strength is improved with a combination of therapies including chiropractic manipulation, sports massage, acupressure, acupuncture, fascial release and physical rehabilitation to improve spinal flexibility and muscle tone.

You can help maintain and prevent issues by following some basic advice for you and your horse.

Preparation – fitness isn’t just about cardiovascular training, muscle strength takes time.

Give your horse adequate time to recover after an injury and have them checked before increasing their activity.

Training scales – cavaletti, pole work, and in-hand training are brilliant ways to improve abdominal and back strength.

A range of surfaces are also helpful to load and unload the ligaments in the limbs.

Boots and bandages are supportive and should not be over-looked.

Pilates, swimming and resistance weight training are the best forms of exercise for all humans.

Riders will see a major difference in their performance with twice weekly classes.

Although remember to make sure you are “straight” first or your results will be limited.

It is the muscles which need to be supple in order to control the movement of the spine