Back Pain in Horses - How Does Equissage Massage Therapy Help Your Horse With Back Pain?
- benbpayne
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Back pain in horses is more common than you might realise because it can be hard to spot and is often confused for behavioural problems. Your horse’s back is integral to their every movement, so arming ourselves with the right tools and understanding how to help prevent back pain can make all the difference to their long-term health and wellbeing. In this article, we’ll explore the signs of back pain in horses, its causes, and effective ways to alleviate it, including how the Equissage Pulse Massage Pad can help.
Signs and symptoms of back pain in horses
Our horses communicate their discomfort or back pain in a vast range of ways, from very subtle flicks of the ear as you do up their girth to almighty, unsittable bronks that tell you in no uncertain terms, “I don’t want you on my back!”
For those more gentle communicators, recognising the subtle signs of discomfort means you can intervene earlier—before their pain escalates.
Some common symptoms of back pain in horses include:
Poor performance - they may just feel off or not themselves. Perhaps they’ll struggle to pick up the right leg, miss a stride into a fence, or add one in.
No enthusiasm to go forward - They may be reluctant to go forward or ride very hollow, struggling to pull their back end under themselves.
Stiffness - Your horse may seem stiff or have an uneven gait
Grumpy - You might notice a change in their response to grooming or tacking up. They might seem suddenly grumpy, avoiding the brush or the saddle.
By understanding your horse’s normal behaviours and movements, you will quickly spot changes and catch potential issues earlier, enabling you to respond to support them.
What causes back pain in horses?
Because the spine is such an integral part of your horse’s every movement, back pain can have a multitude of causes, but only between 60-80% of back pain can be diagnosed and pinned on a specific cause. Broadly speaking, back pain in horses is categorised into primary and secondary causes.
Primary causes of equine back pain
These are causes that originate from within the horse’s body and are usually directly related to the back and its anatomy. Primary causes of back pain include:
Kissing Spine: A condition where the vertebrae in the spine touch or overlap, causing pain and reduced mobility.
Arthritis: Degeneration of the joints can lead to chronic back discomfort.
Spondylitis: Inflammation of the vertebrae or associated structures can create localised or referred pain.
Secondary causes of equine back pain
Poorly Fitting Tack: Ill-fitting saddles or girths can create pressure points and sores.
Lack of Core Strength: Weakness in your horse’s core muscles can place undue strain on the back.
Unbalanced Rider: An unbalanced or inexperienced rider can inadvertently stress your horse’s back.
Environmental Factors: Deep school surfaces or excessively muddy fields can lead to strain or injury.
Lameness: Issues in the legs or hooves can force your horse to compensate in their movements which will impact their back.
Incorrect Work Progression: Pushing your horse too quickly without proper conditioning can result in muscular strain.
Referred Pain: Discomfort originating in other areas, such as the kidneys, can manifest as back pain.
How can you help your horse with back pain?
Managing your horse’s back pain often needs a multifaceted approach to help you find what works for them. Here are some steps you might want to consider if you are concerned that your horse is in pain.
Vet Check:
Always consult your vet first to rule out any underlying medical conditions or injuries which may contribute to your horse’s back pain.
Rest:
Give them some time off to rest, and avoid activities that may exacerbate the pain.
Tack Check:
Get a professional saddle fitter to check their tack is fitting properly and in good structural condition. Don’t forget your horse will change shape with the seasons and will likely need their saddle flocked.
Feet Check:
Shifts in your horse’s gait caused by lameness or poor hoof health can result in referred pain or back problems due to them compensating for a gait problem caused by their feet.
Assess Workload:
How hard has your horse been working recently? Review their training schedule, ensuring it progresses at a safe and manageable pace.
Can Equissage Massage Therapy Help Your Horse With Back Pain?
Absolutely! Although hands-on massage is fantastic for relieving discomfort in your horse’s back, it’s not sustainable to massage them for long periods of time and it takes a long time to have an impact. Using an Equissage massage pad allows you to deliver consistent, effective deep-tissue massage therapy that is scientifically proven to reduce inflammation and release tension in those spinal muscles, even in skeletal issues such as kissing spine.
What is Equissage Massage Therapy?
The Equissage Massage Therapy Unit is available as a massage pad designed for your horse’s back or a handheld device for use across their entire body. It features NHC Cyclo-Therapy® technology, also known as Cycloidal Vibration Therapy (CVT), which delivers a distinctive 3D vibration that penetrates deeply into your horse’s muscles. This enhances circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall well-being. It is a Class 2a registered medical device and is clinically proven to support many musculoskeletal conditions as well as manage wound healing in humans and horses. Regular use supports joint health, eases tension, and alleviates pain, providing relief not just in the back but throughout the body for greater comfort and improved performance.
How Do I Order An Equissage Massage Therapy Unit?
Equissage Massage Therapy Pads and handheld units have so many uses throughout your horse’s body.
To help you understand the potential of Equissage for your horse, we provide a no-obligation demonstration at your yard. During the visit, our expert will discuss your horse’s specific needs and recommend tailored applications to enhance their well-being, mobility, and overall health. This gives you the opportunity to fully understand the technology and its benefits before making a purchase.
How Do I Book An Equissage Demonstration?
Easy, you can book your demonstration online and pick a time that works for you. We look forward to showing you the difference Equissage can make to your horse.
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