Expert Advice: Can You Ride A Horse With Kissing Spine?

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Expert Advice: Can You Ride A Horse With Kissing Spine?

Can you ride a horse with kissing spine? Yes, in many cases, you can. Many horses diagnosed with kissing spine can return to riding, often to their previous level of work. The key to a good outcome is how severe the condition is, how early it is found, and how well the horse gets treatment and physical therapy. This guide will help you learn about this common back problem in horses. We will also talk about how to help your horse feel better and ride again.

Deciphering Kissing Spine: A Closer Look

Kissing spine is a common cause of back pain in horses. It happens when the bony parts at the top of the horse’s spine touch or rub against each other. These bony parts are called dorsal spinous processes. They stick up from the vertebrae, which are the bones that make up the spine.

Normally, there is space between these bones. This space lets the horse’s back bend and move freely. When these bones get too close, they can rub. This rubbing can cause pain, swelling, and even bone changes.

Kissing spine can affect any horse. But it is seen more often in certain breeds. Horses that do sports like jumping or dressage may get it more. This is because these sports put stress on the back. It can also be seen in horses that grow very fast. Or horses that have a certain back shape.

When these back bones touch, it makes the horse’s back stiff. This stiffness can make it hard for the horse to move well. It can also make the horse grumpy or unwilling to work. The pain can change how the horse uses its back. This can lead to problems in other parts of the body too.

Spotting the Signs: Diagnosing Kissing Spine in Horses

Finding kissing spine early is very important. It helps your horse get the right care quickly. Many horses show clear signs of back pain. But some may only show small clues.

Pain Signals Your Horse May Show

Watch your horse closely for these signs. They can point to back pain:

• Stiffness: Your horse may not want to bend its back. Or it may move in a stiff way.
• Bad Temper: Some horses become touchy or grumpy. They may not like to be touched on their back.
• Not Wanting to Be Ridden: Your horse might refuse to move forward. It might resist the bit.
• Bucking or Rearing: These can be signs of pain. The horse tries to get rid of the pain.
• Trouble Bending: Your horse may struggle with turns. It might be harder to pick up a canter lead.
• Poor Performance: Your horse may not jump as high. Or it may not move as freely as before.
• Saddle Problems: The saddle may seem to slip. Or your horse may react badly when the saddle is put on.
• Muscle Loss: Muscles along the back might look smaller. This happens if the horse is not using its back correctly.

How Vets Find It

If you see these signs, call your vet. Your vet will do a full check-up. They have many tools to find kissing spine.

• Hands-on Check: The vet will press along your horse’s back. They watch for pain or flinching. They feel for muscle tightness.
• Flexion Tests: The vet might ask your horse to do certain movements. This helps to see how the back moves.
• X-rays: X-rays are key. They show the bones. Vets can see if the spinous processes are too close. They can also see if the bones have changed shape. X-rays show bone problems well.
• Bone Scans (Scintigraphy): This test finds “hot spots.” Hot spots are areas of active swelling or bone change. The vet gives the horse a special shot. This shot goes to areas where bones are changing fast. Then a special camera takes pictures. It helps find hidden pain.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves. It looks at soft tissues. This can show swelling around the bones. It can also show problems with ligaments.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI gives a very detailed view. It shows bones, soft tissues, and nerves. It is very good for finding exact problems. But it is more costly and often needs the horse to lie down.
• Nerve Blocks: Sometimes, the vet might numb a certain area. If the horse moves better after the numbing shot, it tells the vet where the pain is. This helps confirm the diagnosis.

Getting a clear diagnosis is the first step. It helps your vet plan the best way to help your horse.

Healing Paths: Kissing Spine Treatment Options

Once your vet finds kissing spine, you can start treatment. The good news is that many ways can help your horse feel better. The choice of treatment depends on many things. It depends on how bad the problem is. It also depends on how long the horse has had pain.

Making Treatment Choices

There is no one-size-fits-all plan. Your vet will look at your horse as a whole. They will think about:

• Severity of the Condition: How close are the bones? Are there bone changes?
• Horse’s Age and Use: Is your horse young or old? What kind of riding does it do?
• Your Horse’s Pain Level: How much pain does your horse show?
• Your Budget: Some treatments cost more than others.

The vet will talk with you. Together, you will pick the best path for your horse.

Helping Without Surgery: Conservative Treatment Kissing Spine

Many horses get better without surgery. These methods aim to reduce pain and swelling. They also help build strong back muscles.

• Medicines:
  • Anti-pain shots (NSAIDs): Drugs like Bute or Banamine reduce pain and swelling. They help your horse feel more comfortable. They are often given first.
  • Muscle Relaxers: These can help tight back muscles loosen up. This can ease discomfort.
• Injections:
  • Corticosteroids: These are powerful anti-swelling shots. They are put right around the painful back bones. They work well for many horses. They calm down the irritation.
  • IRAP/PRP: These are newer treatments. They use your horse’s own blood. The blood is processed to get healing factors. These factors are then put into the painful area. They help the body heal itself.
  • Osphos/Tildren: These drugs help strengthen bones. They can slow down bone changes. They are given by shot into a vein. They can reduce bone pain over time.
• Physical Therapy: This is a big part of healing. It builds strong back muscles. It teaches the horse to use its back better.
  • Stretches: Gentle stretches help make the back more flexible.
  • Core Work: Exercises that build core strength are key. This supports the spine. It takes stress off the painful bones.
  • Ground Poles: Walking over poles helps the horse lift its back.
  • In-hand Exercises: Leading the horse in circles or figures helps.
• Other Ways to Help:
  • Acupuncture: Tiny needles are put into special spots. This can ease pain.
  • Chiropractic: A vet who does chiropractic works on the spine. They adjust joints. This helps restore normal movement.
  • Magnet Therapy/Laser Therapy: These can reduce pain and swelling. They help tissues heal.

When Surgery Is Needed: Surgical Options for Kissing Spine

Surgery is often chosen if conservative methods do not work. Or if the problem is very bad. The goal of surgery is to create more space between the back bones. This stops them from rubbing.

• Why It’s Done: If pain is still bad after other treatments, surgery may be the best choice. It can give long-term relief for many horses.

• Types of Surgery:

  • Bone Shaving (Sub-Nerve Dorsal Spinous Process Osteotomy): The vet removes a small piece of bone. This makes more space. It stops the bones from touching. This is done with the horse standing up. It is less invasive.
  • Ligament Cutting (Interspinous Ligament Desmotomy): A small cut is made in the ligament between the bones. This frees up the bones. It allows them to move apart. This is also done with the horse standing. It is a common choice.
  • More Involved Surgery: In some severe cases, more bone might be removed. This may need the horse to lie down for surgery. But these are less common now.

• What to Expect:

  • Risks: Like any surgery, there are risks. These include infection or not getting full relief.
  • Recovery Time: Recovery takes time. It can be weeks to many months. It needs a good plan.
  • Success Rate: Surgery can be very successful. It helps many horses go back to riding.

Here is a quick look at conservative versus surgical treatment:

Feature	Conservative Treatment (Non-Surgical)	Surgical Treatment (e.g., Desmotomy, Osteotomy)
Goal	Reduce pain, ease swelling, build strength	Create space between bones, stop rubbing
Methods	Medicines, injections, physical therapy, alternative therapies	Bone removal, ligament cuts
Recovery Time	Days to weeks for initial relief; ongoing therapy for months	Weeks to months; full recovery takes longer
Cost	Generally lower for initial treatments; ongoing therapy adds up	Higher upfront cost; can vary by procedure
Risk	Low; side effects from drugs possible	Moderate; risks of infection, anesthetic, no full relief
Success Rate	Varies greatly; good for mild to moderate cases	Good for suitable cases; many horses return to full work

Getting Back Strong: Rehabilitation for Kissing Spine Horses

Treatment does not stop when the vet is done. Rehabilitation is crucial. It helps your horse heal fully. It also helps your horse stay healthy and strong. Rehab is not just about resting. It is about careful, guided exercise.

Why Rehab Matters a Lot

Rehab is the bridge between treatment and riding. It helps your horse:

• Build Strength: Muscles support the spine. Strong core muscles take stress off the back bones.
• Improve Movement: Helps the horse learn to use its back correctly again.
• Prevent Future Problems: Keeps the back strong and flexible.
• Return to Work Safely: Prepares the horse for riding bit by bit.

Without proper rehab, the horse might not heal well. Or the pain might come back.

Key Steps in Rehab

Your vet or a horse physiotherapist will create a plan. This plan will be just for your horse. Here are common steps:

• Controlled Exercise: Start very slow. Build up work over time. Do not rush it.
• Walking: Begin with short hand walks. Walk on flat, even ground. Slowly make walks longer.
• Trot on Long Lines: As your horse gets stronger, add trotting. Use long lines or a lunge line. Keep the horse moving in a straight line or large circles. Avoid tight turns.
• Hill Work (Gentle): Walking up gentle hills helps build back muscles. It makes the horse lift its back. Start with small, short hills.
• Water Treadmill: This is great for rehab. The water supports the horse’s weight. This reduces stress on joints. The resistance of the water builds muscle.
• Core Exercises: Specific exercises help build core strength.
  • Carrot Stretches: Have your horse stretch to reach a carrot. Do this between its front legs, to its flanks, and to its hocks. This stretches the back.
  • Backing Up: Asking the horse to back up a few steps engages core muscles.
  • Pole Work: Walking over ground poles encourages the horse to lift its back and legs.
• Gradual Return to Work: Do not jump back into hard riding. Slowly add light riding. Then increase work over weeks or months.
• Expert Help: Work closely with your vet and a certified horse physiotherapist. They guide you. They make sure you do the right exercises. They help you know when to move to the next step.

Here is a general guide for rehabilitation stages. Your horse’s plan may vary.

Stage	Focus	Activities	Duration (Approx.)
Stage 1: Rest & Healing	Reduce pain, allow initial healing	Stable rest, very gentle hand walks on flat ground	2-4 weeks (post-treatment/surgery)
Stage 2: Early Movement	Promote gentle movement, improve flexibility	Longer hand walks (15-30 min), straight line trotting in-hand	4-8 weeks
Stage 3: Building Strength	Core strengthening, muscle development	Long lining (large circles), gentle hills, ground poles, water treadmill	8-16 weeks
Stage 4: Return to Work	Light riding, specific exercises, increased duration	Short, straight riding sessions, specific back-lifting exercises	16+ weeks and ongoing

Patience is key during rehab. It takes time for muscles to build and bones to heal.

Riding with Care: Impact of Kissing Spine on Horse Riding

The main question for many horse owners is, “Can I ride my horse again?” The answer is often yes. But it needs thought and a careful plan.

Can You Ride? The Real Answer

Many horses with kissing spine can go back to riding. Some can even go back to their previous level of sport. But a few things must be true:

• Pain-Free First: Your horse must be out of pain. Riding a horse in pain will only make things worse. Pain can make the horse angry or afraid.
• Strong Muscles: The horse needs a strong core and back muscles. These muscles support the spine. They help the horse carry a rider without pain.
• Listen to Your Horse: Your horse will tell you how it feels. Watch for any signs of pain. If your horse seems sore, stop. Do not push it.
• Vet’s Ok: Always get your vet’s approval before riding. They will tell you when it is safe to start.

Smart Workouts: Riding Exercises for Kissing Spine

When you start riding again, focus on exercises that help. These exercises build strength and flexibility without causing pain.

• Long and Low Work: This encourages your horse to stretch its neck down. This lifts its back. It helps open the spaces between the spinous processes. Think of stretching the topline.
• Straight Lines: Ride on long, straight lines. Avoid tight circles early on. Tight circles can put uneven stress on the back.
• Gentle Turns: When you do turn, make them wide and flowing. Do not force sharp turns.
• Pole Work (Under Saddle): Walking or trotting over ground poles helps. It makes the horse lift its back and engage core muscles. Start with poles on the ground. Then slowly raise them a little.
• Transitions: Gentle transitions between gaits help. Walk-trot, trot-walk. They make the horse use its back muscles.
• Riding on Hills: Gentle inclines (up and down) can help build strength. Go up hills to engage the hindquarters. Go down hills to stretch the back.
• Avoid Deep Circles and Tight Turns: Until your horse is very strong, avoid these.
• Avoid Too Much Collection: High-level collection can put a lot of pressure on the back. Build up to it very slowly, if at all.
• Consistent Work: Short, frequent rides are better than long, hard ones. Aim for quality over quantity.

The Right Gear: Saddle Fit Kissing Spine

A well-fitting saddle is vital for a horse with kissing spine. A bad saddle can cause pain. It can make kissing spine worse. Or it can cause it to come back.

• Crucial for Comfort: The saddle must fit your horse’s unique back shape. It must not press on the spine.
• Wide Channel: Look for a saddle with a wide gullet or channel. This is the space that goes over the spine. It must be wide enough. It must give good clearance over the entire length of the spine.
• No Pressure on Spine: The saddle panels must sit on the muscles beside the spine. They must not touch the spinous processes at all.
• Get a Saddle Fitter: A professional saddle fitter is a must. They can check your current saddle. They can help you find a new one. They can adjust it as your horse’s back changes. A good fitter will also check how the saddle fits with a rider in it.
• Pads Can Help, But Don’t Fix a Bad Fit: A special saddle pad can add comfort. It can absorb shock. It can help distribute weight. But a pad cannot fix a saddle that does not fit. Never use a pad to make up for a poor-fitting saddle. It could make the problem worse.

Ongoing Care: Equine Back Pain Management

Kissing spine can be a lifelong condition. Even after treatment, ongoing care is important. This helps keep your horse comfortable and sound.

• Regular Vet Checks: Have your vet check your horse’s back often. They can spot small problems before they become big ones.
• Keep Horse Fit, Not Too Heavy: Overweight horses carry more strain on their backs. Keep your horse at a healthy weight.
• Good Footing: Ride on soft, even ground. Hard or uneven ground can jar the back.
• Warm-up and Cool-down: Always warm up your horse slowly before riding. Stretch the back. Cool down slowly after.
• Stretching: Do regular carrot stretches or other stretches. This keeps the back flexible.
• Bodywork: Regular sessions with a horse physiotherapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist can help. They keep muscles loose. They help with correct movement.

What Comes Next: Kissing Spine Horse Prognosis

The future for horses with kissing spine is often bright. Many horses return to a happy, active life.

Many Horses Do Well

Kissing spine is not a career-ending problem for most horses. With the right care, many horses:

• Return to Full Work: This includes sport horses. They can go back to jumping, dressage, or trail riding.
• Live Without Pain: The goal is to make your horse comfortable.
• Success Depends On:
  • How Bad It Was: Mild cases heal faster. Severe cases need more work.
  • How Early It Was Found: Finding it early means less damage.
  • Quality of Treatment: Getting the right vet care matters.
  • Rehab Effort: Dedicated physical therapy is crucial.
  • Owner’s Care: Your ongoing effort, patience, and attention are vital.

Horses that get injections often see good results. Horses that have surgery also have a good chance of getting better. Studies show high success rates for both methods.

When It’s Tougher

Some horses may have a harder time.

• Very Bad Cases: If the bone changes are very severe, it might be harder.
• Old Injuries: Long-standing problems can be harder to fix.
• Some Horses May Not Ride Again: In a few cases, a horse might not be able to be ridden again. This is rare but can happen. These horses can still be happy pasture pets. Or they can do very light, non-ridden work.

Even if riding is not possible, the aim is always to give the horse a good quality of life. They can live without pain.

Helping Your Horse Stay Healthy: Prevention Tips

While you cannot always stop kissing spine, you can do things to lower the risk. You can also help your horse stay healthy after treatment.

• Good Saddle Fit Always: Make sure your saddle fits perfectly. Check it often. A bad saddle can cause pain.
• Keep Horse Fit, Not Too Heavy: Extra weight puts more stress on the back. Keep your horse at a healthy weight.
• Strong Core Muscles: Regular exercises that build core strength help. This supports the spine.
• Balanced Riding: Ride your horse in a balanced way. Do not sit heavy. Do not put too much pressure on the back. Ride with soft hands and a good seat.
• Regular Vet Checks: Have your vet check your horse’s back often. They can spot problems early.
• Varied Work: Do not do the same type of work every day. Mix in trail rides, flatwork, and groundwork. This uses different muscles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a horse with kissing spine jump?

Many horses with kissing spine can jump again. It depends on how bad the condition was and how well they healed. A strong back and good core muscles are a must. Your vet will tell you if jumping is safe for your horse.

Is kissing spine genetic?

There is some thought that certain breeds or body shapes might be more likely to get kissing spine. So, genetics might play a small part. But often, it comes from how the horse is used or trained.

Does turnout help kissing spine?

Yes, often. Regular turnout lets the horse move freely. This can help keep muscles loose. It can also help keep the horse from getting stiff. Movement is often good for backs.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery time varies a lot. After injections, a horse might feel better in days or weeks. After surgery, it can take 3 to 6 months or even more to get back to full work. Full recovery depends on the horse and the treatment.

What kind of rider is best for a horse with kissing spine?

A soft, balanced rider is best. A rider with an independent seat causes less jarring to the horse’s back. Light hands and a kind approach are also key. A rider who listens to the horse’s signals is most important.

Final Words

Kissing spine can be a worrying diagnosis for any horse owner. But it is not the end of the road. Many horses can ride again. They can live full, active lives. The key is to work closely with your vet. Get a clear diagnosis. Follow a good treatment plan. And be very patient with rehabilitation. Your horse relies on you to give them the best chance. With expert help and dedicated care, you can help your horse feel better. You can get back to happy riding together.