In this essay, I will talk about the topic “Can You Correct Swayback In Horses?,” and I will do my absolute best to incorporate as much pertinent information as I possibly can.
Many different causing factors can lead to swayback such as genetics, age, conformation, pregnancy,
excessive strain
on the back and/or a lack of exercise. There is no
permanent cure
for swayback however there are different exercises and precautions that can be taken to strengthen a swayback horse.
Does it hurt to ride a horse with a swayback?
Swayback:
A swayback can cause soreness to a horse’s back because most saddles will “bridge”, putting the rider’s weight only on the front and the back of the saddle, creating abnormal pressure points, especially over the shoulders and loins.
What causes horses to have swayback?
Horses:
Swayback is caused in part from a loss of
muscle tone
in both the back and
abdominal muscles
, plus a weakening and stretching of the ligaments As in humans, it may be influenced by bearing young; it is sometimes seen in a broodmare that has had multiple foals.
What does swayback mean on a horse?
Horse:
Swayback associated with old age occurs with slackening of the
soft-tissue attachments
and loss of muscle tone in the belly and back that allow the spine to sag somewhat.
How do you help a dipped horse back?
Horse:
Care. Exercise is important to keep the muscles that support the spine strong and to prevent a dipped back from getting worse. Exercise the horse by riding or working with him on the ground Encourage your horse to keep a rounded frame and consider using ground poles or side reins to help with this.
Can you ride a horse with lordosis?
Lordosis:
Patrick Gallagher completed research into lordosis and studied a variety of horses with the condition. He found that the spinal deviation had no disabling affect on the horses who had the condition and noted that even the most severely affected individuals could be trained, ridden, and even participate in horse shows.
Swayback Horse: What saddle is best for a swayback horse
We recommend trying a Cordura or
flex tree saddle
, which is significantly lighter than the
traditional leather
with a wood tree combination. Your saddle pad is also a crucial part of fitting your swaybacked horse. You want to avoid your saddle leaning against your horse’s withers or against the rear dip of his back.
Treeless Saddles Good: Are treeless saddles good for swayback horses
Western horses have an
excellent choice
in treeless saddles that look just like a regular western saddle, the Bob Marshall saddle. For other sports there are many styles available, and for short-backed horses, swayback horses and general comfort treeless saddles can be an excellent choice.
Can sway back be corrected?
How is a swayback treated? In the absence of any other health conditions that may be a contributing factor, swayback posture can be treated by lengthening tight muscles, such as your hip muscles and hamstrings, and strengthening weak muscles, such as your abdominals.
How do you saddle a horse with a sway back?
Horse:
If a
slight bridge
exists, then use a shimmable pad with bridging shims inserted to “fill in” the gap Contact of the saddle panels on the horses back must be even along the top-line. If the horse is a true sway, then this will make the horse more comfortable and offer a more permanent solution.
How do you tell if your saddle fits your horse?
Saddle:
Your saddle fits just right if it sits level on your horse’s back and the bars of the tree do not pinch The front of your saddle should be positioned behind your horse’s shoulder blade, allowing him freedom of movement. Your saddle is too narrow if the front of the saddle sits high.
Why do some horses have dipped backs?
Horses:
Some horses have malformed vertebrae that allow the spine to sag This usually happens when the horse is quite young, and there may be signs of it even before the horse is trained to carry a rider. These horses can be ridden if proper attention is given to riding them and finding a saddle that fits comfortably.
References
https://horseracingsense.com/why-some-horses-have-curved-backs-swaybacks/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swayback