How to Handle a Cold-Backed Horse

A cold-backed horse is a horse that reacts negatively when a rider goes to get on their back. Some horses will take off immediately when mounted, some will sink down when mounted, and others feel like that they are walking on egg shells when mounted. A lot of horses who are cold-backed have sore backs and others can be sore in other places such as their feet. Treating a cold-backed horse can have varied results but there are ways to make it more comfortable on them when you mount.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Stretch your horse while grooming him. Pull all 4 legs forward to engage their back and shoulder muscles. Ask a local equine massage therapist to show you other forms of stretching.

2. Lunge your horse without any tack on her before riding. This will allow her to warm up and stretch herself out before riding.

3. Do the same stretches you did to your horse while grooming after you have him tacked up and ready to ride.

4. Have someone hold your horse as you mount. This will help you balance and keep your weight out of the saddle for the first 5 minutes while you are on the horse. To keep your weight off of the horse stand in your stirrups.

5. Walk your horse five minutes longer than you would walk any other horse. Do circles, bending and stretching during this warm-up time.

6. Rub liniment on your horse’s back after you are done riding.