Cold-backed horses: What is a cold-backed horse and how to treat them

There are various ailments and conditions for horse owners to be aware of, from horse worms to hoof problems. But one of the most common yet less discussed conditions in the equine community is cold-backed horses. It’s a bit of a complex ailment, as it isn’t a diagnosis in itself, but rather a collection of symptoms. However, having an understanding of this condition is crucial for horse owners and caretakers to ensure the wellbeing and optimal performance of their horse companions.

So what exactly is a cold-backed horse and what does it mean for you as a horse owner? In this guide, we’ll explore what it means for a horse to be cold-backed, the causes, symptoms, and treatments, as well as important considerations to take into account when buying a cold-backed horse.

What is a cold-backed horse?
What causes a cold-back in horses?
Cold-backed horse symptoms
How to treat cold-backed horses
What to be aware of when buying a cold-backed horse

What is a cold-backed horse?

Many horse owners don’t know what exactly it means when a horse is cold-backed as there is no single definition. It is instead a description of several back-related symptoms that a horse experiences, particularly when they have just been mounted. The term “cold-backed” can be somewhat misleading, as many first believe it means that the horse’s back is literally cold, whereas it actually refers to the initial stiffness and discomfort experienced by the horse when being warmed up and ridden (although, the cold can aggravate these symptoms). Fortunately, the condition is often only temporary, with symptoms often improving as the horse warms up during exercise.

Cold-backed horses may appear tense, resistant, or even display unusual behaviours such as bucking or rearing when first mounted. While the severity of these behaviours can vary widely from horse to horse, the common denominator is a notable change in the animal’s comfort and behaviour as it is saddled and ridden.

What causes a cold back in horses?

A horse can experience cold back for a wide variety of reasons, so it can be hard for most horse owners to pinpoint an exact cause. However, there are a few common causes of cold back you may want to keep an eye out for, including the following:

Muscle stiffness: Horses that are not regularly exercised or those coming back from a period of rest will likely experience muscle stiffness to some degree. Just like us humans, horses can experience tightness in their muscles when they are exercised for the first time in a while, which can lead to discomfort when they begin to move.
Poor saddle fit: An ill-fitting saddle is a major contributor to back discomfort in horses. Saddles that are too tight, too loose, or unevenly balanced can impact the pressure points and cause bruising and pain, making the horse wary of being saddled and ridden. If you’re new to horse riding, or if you just want a refresher on the topic, make sure to give our beginner’s guide to saddles a read so you can ensure the right fit for your horse.
Tack issues: Beyond the saddle, other tack such as girths, pads, and bridles can contribute to discomfort if they are not properly fitted or maintained. Give our horse bridle types guide a read for some useful fitting advice.
Previous injuries or trauma: Horses with a history of back injuries or trauma may develop chronic pain or sensitivity in the affected area. Scar tissue, inflammation, and unresolved pain can all contribute to a cold back. In these cases, it’s important to have a long-term care plan to manage symptoms.
Poor posture or conformation: Certain conformational issues, such as a swayback or a particularly high wither, can predispose a horse to back discomfort. Poor posture, whether inherent or developed over time due to poor riding habits, can also play a role. We have a handy riding positions guide for those looking to make sure they aren’t unintentionally causing their horse any pain or discomfort.
Kissing spines: One of the most common medical causes of back pain in horses is kissing spines, which occurs when the vertebrae in the spine are too close together which leaves them touching, or “kissing”. This condition can be diagnosed by X-ray.
Behavioural factors: In some cases, the cause of cold-backed horse behaviour may be more psychological than physical. Horses with negative experiences of being saddled or ridden may develop a conditioned response, exhibiting cold-backed behaviour out of anticipation of discomfort.

Understanding the underlying causes of cold back in horses is key to managing and treating the condition. If your horse is experiencing cold back, make sure to take time to get to the root of the problem, with the help of a vet and/or equine behaviourist if needed.

Cold-backed horse symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of a cold-backed horse is crucial, not just for your horse’s health but their overall comfort and wellbeing. Symptoms of cold back can range from mild to more severe, and can include some (or all) of the following:

Stiffness: One of the most common cold-backed horse symptoms is stiffness in the animal’s back when first mounted or during the initial stages of exercise. The horse may appear rigid, with limited flexibility in its movements, although this can ease up once your horse is fully warmed up.
Bucking or rearing: Some horses may respond to the discomfort by bucking, rearing, or otherwise resisting being ridden. This can be dangerous for both the rider and the horse, so it’s important to get this under control.
Uneven gait: A cold-backed horse may exhibit an uneven or irregular gait, particularly during the first few minutes of exercise. This can include short strides, a reluctance to move forward, or a noticeable limp.
Tail swishing and ear pinning: Behavioural signs such as swishing the tail, pinning the ears back, or other displays of irritation can indicate discomfort in the horse’s back.
Sensitivity to touch: Horses with a cold back may flinch or react negatively when their back is touched or when pressure is applied, such as during grooming or saddling. It’s important to keep an eye out for even small signs of sensitivity to get this under control before the cold back becomes a bigger problem.
Difficulty saddling: You may find that your horse shows signs of anxiety or resistance which are uncharacteristic when being saddled if they have cold back, such as moving away, tensing up, or biting at the girth.

How to treat cold-backed horses

When finding out their horse has the condition, many owners ask “can a cold-backed horse be cured?”. The good news is that the symptoms cold-backed horses experience can usually be managed, or even cured completely if the owner knows the solution to the root cause of the condition. However, it takes time and usually requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the physical and behavioural aspects of the condition, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with your treatment plan.

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of a horse getting cold back is to keep them in a regular exercise and conditioning routine. A consistent exercise schedule is key to maintaining a supple and relaxed back, plus you can gradually increase the horse’s level of activity to build muscle strength and flexibility, reducing stiffness and discomfort. If you are looking for muscle-building exercises, check out our guide to muscle-building pole exercises, as well as our Back to Basics: Polework training series. If your horse has more severe cold back symptoms and isn’t ready to be ridden yet, you can still exercise them with some in-hand exercises.

Before you ride a cold-backed horse, taking them through a thorough warm-up routine can help to reduce initial stiffness. This can include walking the horse in hand or gentle stretching exercises to prepare the muscles for activity. Many cold-backed horse owners find lunging before a ride to be especially effective in warming their horse up. You can find out more about how to do this with the episode on lunging in our Listening to Horses Specials.

Ensuring that your horse’s saddle fits correctly is crucial when it comes to back health. A professional saddle fitter can assess the fit and make necessary adjustments or recommend a new saddle if needed. You should also perform regular checks and maintenance of the saddle and other tack yourself to ensure it is still the correct fit and in good condition. Check out our Fit for Welfare series with the Society of Master Saddlers to find out more about the importance of the right saddle for your horse.

Remember, as a rider you have an impact on your horse’s body too, so it’s important to be aware of how your body is affecting theirs. As already discussed, having the correct riding position and posture is crucial for your equine’s back health, but there are a number of other ways you can reduce your impact too. For example, using a mounting block every time to mount your horse reduces the amount of strain on their back, as does ensuring you are the right weight to ride your horse and allowing them ample recovery time.

If you’re looking to get some outside help too, regular massage and physiotherapy sessions can help to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. These therapies can be particularly beneficial for horses with chronic stiffness or previous injuries. Equine chiropractors can also provide adjustments to help align the horse’s spine and improve overall posture and movement. Chiropractic care can be especially useful for horses with specific conformational issues.

For horses with a behavioural component to their cold-backed condition, behavioural training sessions can be helpful. Gradually acclimating the horse to being saddled and ridden, using positive reinforcement, can reduce anxiety and resistance, getting them over the mental block which is causing cold back.

If your attempts to help your cold-backed horse have failed, or you’re simply looking for a second opinion, a visit from the vet is a good idea. A thorough veterinary examination is essential for horses with persistent cold back to rule out any underlying health issues that may be contributing to the condition. This can include diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, to identify any structural problems. In some cases, vets may recommend anti-inflammatory medications or supplements to help manage pain and inflammation. You can find out more about this in our horse supplement guide, and by watching the supplements episode in our Vet Essentials series.

What to be aware of when buying a cold-backed horse

Deciding whether to buy a cold-backed horse can be a challenging decision for a potential horse owner. Buying a horse with a cold back does have some benefits, including being available for a lower price. Plus, with proper care, training, and equipment, many cold-backed horses can improve significantly, so it can be a great opportunity for experienced horse owners who are looking to put their knowledge to good use.

However, it’s worth noting that caring for cold-backed horses does come with a number of challenges. For starters, caring for a cold-backed horse requires consistent and sometimes intensive management, including regular vet visits, chiropractic adjustments, and careful attention to tack fit. As well as taking up more of your time, this can also make cold-backed horses a more expensive option overall. If not managed properly, a cold-backed horse can also pose a higher risk of injury to both the rider and itself. Even with good management from an experienced owner, cold-backed horses may remain unpredictable and difficult to ride, especially when they are in new or stressful situations.

If you do want to take the plunge and buy a cold-backed horse, make sure to do the following before making your purchase:

Request that the horse receives a thorough examination from a vet in the vetting process to understand the extent of the condition, as well as possible causes.
Observe and ride the horse yourself to get a sense of its behaviour and comfort level when being saddled and ridden. Pay close attention to any signs of stiffness, resistance, or discomfort.
Ensure you or your trainer has experience in handling and riding cold-backed horses.
Be prepared for potential ongoing costs that can come with owning a cold-backed horse, including extra vet expenses, special tack, and more training.
Make sure to consider the age of the horse before making your purchase. Younger horses may outgrow some of their cold-backed tendencies as they mature and develop better muscle tone. Conversely, older horses may require more intensive management and treatment.
Managing a cold-backed horse requires a significant investment of time and patience to build trust and ensure its comfort, so make sure you can fit this time into your schedule.

If possible, try to arrange for a trial period to see how the horse adjusts to its new environment and routine. This can provide a clearer picture of how manageable the cold-backed condition is and whether it is the right fit for you.

If you are experienced and willing to invest both your time and money, a cold-backed horse could be a rewarding project. However, it may be best for newer and less experienced owners to avoid purchasing a horse with a cold back and start with a horse in a healthy condition. If you’re looking for more advice on purchasing your first horse, make sure to check out our ultimate guide to buying a horse.

Cold-backed horses require careful management, care, and a thorough understanding of the condition to ensure both their wellbeing and performance. By recognising the symptoms of cold-backed horses, understanding the causes, and implementing effective treatment strategies, horse owners can help their equine companions lead comfortable and fulfilling lives.