cold back

gratifite · 10-08-2007, 11:14 AM

First, I don't know if this is in the right spot...I assume it'll be moved if it's not

Second, I don't know if I'm using the right term...I think I've heard of horses that are kind of "h.umpy" (for lack of a better term) immediately after being saddled being referred to as cold backed. I'm wondering if this is an issue for Graphite - if it's been a couple of days between rides, he'll start out acting like he wants to buck and "h.umping" his back on me. I don't know if this could be the "cold back syndrome" or if it's just attitude. If I lunge him first (w/ or w/o the saddle), he moves out fine. And, after I ride for 5-10 min, he settles down. Any thoughts?

Blistering Winds · 10-08-2007, 11:17 AM

have you tried fixing the issue?

Instead of riding it out or waiting the horse out, actually dive in and see if you can find a trigger?

does the saddle fit for one

For two, are you "sitting" Correctly when you first get on or are you needing warm up before you are properly balanced too?

pattonspuff14 · 10-08-2007, 11:28 AM

hmm it sounds like he could be. unless like Blistering_Winds said, maybe the saddle doesn't fit correctly.

At the place I used to ride she had 2 arabs that were cold backed, but they were really bad. you had to gradually tighten the girth up and walk them around for 15 minutes or so before you got on them or they'd rear up and flip over backwards.

harli36 · 10-08-2007, 11:34 AM

It definetly sounds like it could be cold back syndrom.

Some things to check out.

1) saddle fit. Make sure your saddle fits, have a pro come out and check it. Saddle fit is a very complicated thing that many people can make mistakes on.

2) have a chiro out. It very well could be something that is out of place that is very noticeable before he gets warmed up and then as he warms up loosens itself so it isn't as noticeable.

3) if one of the two above don't fix the problem then have a vet out to check for any leg lamness issues. Very often something wrong in the legs can manifest themselves in the back.

This is a serious problem and one that can often get worse. So do your best to try and fix it now while it's not as bad. Good luck.

10-08-2007, 11:14 AM	#1
gratifite Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kansas Posts: 455 Images: 2	cold back First, I don't know if this is in the right spot...I assume it'll be moved if it's not Second, I don't know if I'm using the right term...I think I've heard of horses that are kind of "h.umpy" (for lack of a better term) immediately after being saddled being referred to as cold backed. I'm wondering if this is an issue for Graphite - if it's been a couple of days between rides, he'll start out acting like he wants to buck and "h.umping" his back on me. I don't know if this could be the "cold back syndrome" or if it's just attitude. If I lunge him first (w/ or w/o the saddle), he moves out fine. And, after I ride for 5-10 min, he settles down. Any thoughts? __________________ If you can't be good, be good at it

10-08-2007, 11:17 AM	#2
Blistering Winds Senior Member+ Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Augusta, Kansas Posts: 31,979 Images: 831 Blog Entries: 17	have you tried fixing the issue? Instead of riding it out or waiting the horse out, actually dive in and see if you can find a trigger? does the saddle fit for one For two, are you "sitting" Correctly when you first get on or are you needing warm up before you are properly balanced too? __________________ HGS is a very powerful, addicting place that is just as bad as cigarettes, however healthier for you AND your horse.

10-08-2007, 11:28 AM	#3
pattonspuff14 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 854 Images: 216	hmm it sounds like he could be. unless like Blistering_Winds said, maybe the saddle doesn't fit correctly. At the place I used to ride she had 2 arabs that were cold backed, but they were really bad. you had to gradually tighten the girth up and walk them around for 15 minutes or so before you got on them or they'd rear up and flip over backwards. __________________ equestrian.."Part of the horse deal is that it comes with a whole lot of heartache, you get used to it but It never gets any easier. Its a long and hard struggle, and thats part of what makes it so rewarding"

10-08-2007, 11:34 AM	#4
harli36 Senior Member+ Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: northeastern Pa Posts: 4,532 Images: 43	It definetly sounds like it could be cold back syndrom. Some things to check out. 1) saddle fit. Make sure your saddle fits, have a pro come out and check it. Saddle fit is a very complicated thing that many people can make mistakes on. 2) have a chiro out. It very well could be something that is out of place that is very noticeable before he gets warmed up and then as he warms up loosens itself so it isn't as noticeable. 3) if one of the two above don't fix the problem then have a vet out to check for any leg lamness issues. Very often something wrong in the legs can manifest themselves in the back. This is a serious problem and one that can often get worse. So do your best to try and fix it now while it's not as bad. Good luck. __________________ The Morgan Horse! Everything else is just a horse. http://www.morganhorse.com/ *Splat I've been snowballed!!!!!!!!*

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
cold back/selenium level	Je_Reve	Horse Health	4	02-26-2007 12:16 PM
Should You Warm Your Cold Horse Before Putting Back Into the Cold..	mistylover	Horse Grooming	3	10-16-2006 07:38 PM
Cold Back?	horse4eva	Horse Health	12	05-09-2006 03:30 PM
How cold is too cold for a horse?	Pony00	Horse Chat	12	02-20-2006 11:15 AM
Cold Back	Blistering Winds	Horse Training	19	03-19-2005 07:22 PM