15/05/2026
Pre & Post Ride Back Checks Matter ๐ด
One of the most valuable habits you can develop as a horse owner is checking your horseโs back before and after you ride.
Not just to see if theyโre โsoreโ but to observe how they are coping physically with the work you are asking them to do.
โจ Does the back feel soft and supple or tight and reactive?
โจ Is there symmetry from one side to the other?
โจ Does your horse comfortably perform a belly lift?
โจ Has the shape of the back changed after work?
โจ Does your horse look more relaxed and connected after the ride or more braced and fatigued?
Every stride, every compensation, every change in balance, hoof comfort, rider position, saddle fit, and posture travels through the back. Often, by the time horses become girthy, cold-backed, buck, rush, hollow, or resist work, the body has already been compensating for some time.
Your horse shouldnโt need to โwarm outโ of discomfort when you first get on.
They shouldnโt consistently feel tight, reactive, or hollow at the beginning of every ride.
Those subtle changes are valuable information to identify problems and recognise progress.
โAfter a good ride, your horseโs back may feel:
- Softer & fuller
- More uniform in tone
- Comfortable to lift through the core and thoracic sling
- Improved shape
That tells you the work supported the horse rather than overloaded them.
Observation is your superpower.
The more familiar you become with your horseโs normal, the earlier you can recognise changes and the more meaningful conversations you can have with your saddle fitter, bodyworker, farrier, vet, trimmer, or coach.
Recognising changes in posture shape and function will often occur first so that we can be proactive before the horse has to show behavioural alterations.
Sophie and I unpack this further on The Equine Functional Posture Podcast
https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/podcasts/the-equine-functional-posture-podcast/episodes/2149203888
