Conference noted::equitation

    I suffer from a bad back in the winter months when I go out riding
    in the cold weather.  I think that because I ride every day my back
    muscles are used to being abused and when I stop for a couple of
    days I get a complaint in the small of my back, probably something
    I will have to live with.
    
    I do think that a lot of horses suffer from bad backs and I think
    this is something that people tend to ignor. Re note 1331 I am pleased
    that you reconised the problem and did someting about it, although
    when a horse has had a bad fall or taken a jump awkwardly and puts
    his back out they still have to try and get over the mental problem
    which is not easy to conquor.
    
     
                                 

    i had problems with my back, too. i went to the doctor, who started
    measuring the length of my legs (he knows me since i was 5 or so and
    remembered). he found out that one of my legs is about 1,5 cm shorter
    and that my backbone is not straight. now i have pad in one of my shoes
    and it's fine.
    
    i thought about horses/dogs having the same problem....
    
    do you have any experiences with horses and that problem??
    
    ciao,
    petra

    People back problems are also discussed at note 215.
    Horse back problems are also discussed at note 1283.
    

    
    I normally use my own horse for lessons, but a couple of weeks had
    to use a school horse. While I was brushing his lower back, along
    the spine, he nearly fell on his belly - stretching his back legs
    wide and sinking down under the brush. That's *ALL* he did. He
    didn't jump, attempt to pull away, or anything else. I rode him
    for the lesson and we did both flat work and 2 and a half foot
    jumps. The flatwork consisted mostly of bending exercises. He never
    flinched, and sailed over those jumps effortlessly.
    
    My question is, do you think he was in pain when I brushed him there?
    I brought it to the attention of the teacher, and she said he was
    "ticklish". But, she is considering putting him up for sale, too, as
    he's quite strong for a lesson horse; and he is - wants to do what
    *HE* wants to do. Anyhow, at the risk of having you all out there
    giggling at me, is it possible he's ticklish?? I never heard of it,
    but I learn something new every day...
    
    thanks,
    julie

    He could be "ticklish" or he could have a painful back. I would see how
    he reacted to you rubbing the same area fairly firmly with your
    fingers. A brush can tickle but your fingers should not, you could also
    feel if the muscles are tensing up or relaxing as you rub. If he is
    tense, I would bet he has pain there. This could also explain his
    "strong" attitude. If he is used to working with some pain, he may
    appear to be fine especially if it does not affect any particular limb.
    Sandy
    

re: .4

	Did you run your fingers along his spine?  If so, did he react
	the same way? (If not, I'd think him ticklish!)

					-Caroline