Back Fractures in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Guide to Spinal Stress in Racehorses 🐴🦴🏇
In this article
Back Fractures in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Guide to Spinal Stress in Racehorses 🐴🦴🏇
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Introduction: Back Pain and Fractures in Horses
In 2025, we're gaining new insight into one of the most misunderstood areas of equine health: the horse’s back. Specifically, the area behind the saddle—the lumbosacral spine—has been identified as more prone to stress, degeneration, and even fractures than previously thought. 🧠💥
Key Study Findings from the University of Tennessee 🔍
- Researchers examined the lumbosacral region (lower back) of 16 Quarter Horses euthanized for unrelated reasons
- Horses ranged from newborn to 22 years old; only one was a racehorse
- Over 60% showed facet joint or disc degeneration—even in young horses
- 9 horses showed signs of bone stress or microfractures
- 92% had abnormal cartilage retention at growth plates, indicating stress at an early age
Why the Lumbar Spine Matters 🐎
The lumbar spine lies just behind the saddle—about 3–4 hand widths behind the cantle. This area absorbs a tremendous amount of stress during high-speed events, jumping, reining spins, and collection maneuvers. Repeated loading of this region, especially in early training, may contribute to degenerative joint disease, pain, or catastrophic fractures. 💢
Breeds at Greater Risk 🧬
- Quarter Horses – Show higher incidence of lumbar stress compared to Thoroughbreds
- Stock-type breeds used in high-impact sports (reining, cutting, roping)
- Early-started horses in training before 2 years old
What’s a Facet Joint? 🦴
Facet joints are small stabilizing joints between each vertebra. Disease in these joints leads to reduced spinal mobility, pain, and sometimes referred lameness. Horses may present with subtle stiffness, behavior changes, or performance problems that are difficult to localize.
Signs Your Horse Might Have Spinal Pain 🚩
- Unwillingness to move forward or engage hindquarters
- Pinning ears or bucking under saddle
- Loss of topline or uneven muscle development
- Difficulty holding lead canter or frequent lead swapping
- Resistance to saddling or grooming the back
How Back Fractures Are Diagnosed 🧪
- Palpation and pain response tests
- Ultrasound – to detect facet joint inflammation or soft tissue swelling
- Radiographs – to assess bony changes or misalignment
- Scintigraphy or MRI – for subtle or early-stage lesions
Growth Plate Stress in Young Horses ⚠️
One key finding from the Tennessee study was that most horses still had cartilage in their lumbar vertebral growth plates by age two. This suggests the bones are still developing and are highly vulnerable to repetitive motion or weight-bearing, especially in young horses in intense training or heavy saddle use.
Managing and Preventing Lumbar Injury 🛡️
1. Delay Intense Training ⏱️
- Allow horses to mature physically before starting rigorous under-saddle work
- Use groundwork, longeing, and light hacking before age 2.5–3
2. Build a Strong Core 💪
- Incorporate hill work, poles, and slow, collected gaits
- Support multifidus and longissimus dorsi muscles that stabilize the spine
3. Use Proper Saddle Fit and Riding Posture 🪑
- Ill-fitting saddles can concentrate pressure in the lumbar region
- Riders who lean back or bounce during sitting trot add spinal strain
4. Monitor for Early Signs 🔍
- Regularly assess posture, muscling, and movement symmetry
- Take note of any changes in behavior, performance, or rideability
Vet Treatments for Spinal Pain 💉
- Joint injections with corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid into facet joints
- Mesotherapy – microinjections in the subcutaneous layer for pain relief
- Shockwave therapy – for inflammation and nerve desensitization
- Chiropractic adjustment and acupuncture in some cases
Case Example: Young Reining Prospect with Lumbar Pain 🧠
- 18-month-old Quarter Horse colt showing discomfort when asked to stop or spin
- Scans revealed cartilage retention and inflammation in facet joints
- Stall rest, rehab, and delayed training for 6 months
- Returned to light groundwork and improved core conditioning
FAQs About Back Pain in Horses 🧠
Q: Can horses have a spinal fracture and not show obvious pain?
A: Yes—microfractures and stress reactions may produce subtle or intermittent signs, especially in early stages.
Q: Is back pain more common in certain disciplines?
A: Yes—disciplines involving sudden stops, spins, or heavy collection can predispose horses to lumbar issues.
Q: Can spinal issues mimic lameness?
A: Absolutely. Many hindlimb lameness cases are actually referred pain from the lower back.
Conclusion
Research in 2025 confirms what many horse owners have long suspected—back injuries in horses are underdiagnosed. Quarter Horses and young athletes in high-impact sports are especially at risk. Early detection, delayed training, and comprehensive veterinary care are key to preventing catastrophic outcomes. 🐎
Concerned about your horse’s back? AskAVet.com is your direct line to expert evaluation and digital consults. Download the Ask A Vet app 📱 today and get your horse’s topline back on track with guidance from Dr Duncan Houston.
