Can you ride a horse with kissing spine? No, you cannot ride a horse with kissing spine. Kissing spine is a condition in which the back vertebrae abnormally touch each other due to an abnormal curvature of the spine or from excessive muscle tension. This causes discomfort and pain that can be exacerbated by riding or any type of pressure applied to the lower back area.
It would not be recommended for someone with this condition to ride a horse as it could lead to further injury and cause even more pain. Instead, your veterinarian may recommend certain therapies such as massage therapy and physiotherapy aimed at correcting muscular imbalances in order to reduce inflammation around the affected areas and increase mobility so that riding is possible again without risk of exacerbating symptoms.
- Choose the Right Horse: Select a horse that is suitable for your skill level and has been diagnosed with kissing spine by a veterinarian
- Avoid using horses that are young, old or have any signs of pain when touched near their back
- Warm Up The Horse: Before mounting the horse, make sure to warm them up properly by walking them in hand as well as lunging them both forward and backward to loosen up their muscles and joints
- This will help reduce the risk of causing further damage to the kissing spine condition while riding
- Position Your Saddle Properly: Place your saddle on top of the horse’s back in such a way that it does not put too much pressure on either side of its spine but instead follows its natural curves evenly throughout its length
- Make sure there are no gaps or bulges created between your saddle pad and horse’s body which can be caused due to poor fitting saddles or incorrect placement
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- Adjust Your Stirrups : Adjust your stirrups so that you sit comfortably on top of it without putting too much strain onto either side of your lower body- mainly focusing on avoiding excessive weight being placed onto one hip joint more than another during riding sessions
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- Start With A Walk : When ready, mount into the saddle slowly from an even surface like a block or fence rail and begin with simple walk transitions before gradually increasing speed over time if desired
- Remember to always take caution when doing this; give yourself plenty of time for adjustments before beginning trotting exercises
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- Monitor For Signs Of Discomfort : Pay close attention to how your horse reacts during each session; look out for any signs discomfort such as hesitancy in movement , increased breathing rate, sweating , etc
- , which may indicate they need extra rest/recovery afterwards
Stretches for Horses With Kissing Spine
Stretches for horses with kissing spine are an important part of maintaining their health and performance. These stretches can be done both before and after riding, as well as during turnout or other exercise sessions. Stretching the horse’s back helps to reduce the pressure on the vertebrae that is caused by the condition known as ‘kissing spine’.
Additionally, stretching increases flexibility in the muscles surrounding these areas which can help prevent further injury from occurring. With regular stretching, owners may notice improved mobility, reduced pain levels and better overall performance in their equine companion.
What is the Best Saddle for a Horse With a Kissing Spine?
When it comes to purchasing a saddle for a horse with a kissing spine, the best option is an adjustable treeless saddle. A kissing spine is a condition that occurs when two or more of the vertebrae in the horse’s back rub together which causes discomfort and pain when ridden. An adjustable treeless saddle offers maximum freedom of movement while also providing enough support without putting too much pressure on any particular area of the horse’s back.
The flexibility provided by these saddles allows them to move with their horse as they ride, reducing stress on the affected areas and allowing for greater comfort for both rider and horse alike. Additionally, this type of saddle eliminates extra pressure points caused by traditional tree-based saddles due to its open design – making it ideal for those dealing with kissing spine issues. When looking into purchasing an adjustable treeless saddle make sure you find one that fits your budget but also provides high-quality construction so that it lasts longer than other cheaper alternatives available on the market today.
What Happens If a Horse Has Kissing Spine?
Kissing spine is a condition in horses where the spinous processes, located along the horse’s back, become abnormally close to each other. This can cause pain and discomfort for the horse. As kissing the spine affects more than just the vertebrae, it also can have a significant impact on muscles and tissues in surrounding areas of the body.
If left untreated, this condition can lead to further health complications such as stiffness in joints and lameness due to restricted movement. Additionally, there could be long-term damage caused by inflammation around muscle attachments that may limit range of motion or permanently reduce overall performance capabilities. Treatment includes physical therapy through massage and stretching exercises as well as corrective shoeing which helps with shock absorption when working on hard surfaces.
Surgery is usually not necessary unless there are severe cases involving bone fusion or displacement of vertebrae due to arthritic changes from prolonged pressure on those areas near each other’s spinous processes. While early diagnosis is key for successful treatment outcomes, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs such as visible swelling along your horses’ back or difficulty performing activities that were previously easy for them so you can get them checked out before any serious complications arise from kissing spine disorder in your beloved equine companion!
Is Kissing Spine Manageable?
Kissing spine is a condition in which the vertebrae of the spine abnormally press against each other, resulting in pain and discomfort. While it can be uncomfortable and cause difficulty with everyday activities, kissing the spine is manageable with proper treatment and care. Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles that support the back to improve posture, reduce pressure on affected areas, and relieve some of the pain associated with kissing the spine.
Additionally, specialized stretches tailored to your specific needs may also aid in reducing symptoms related to this condition. In more severe cases of kissing the spine where physical therapy does not provide enough relief from pain or other symptoms such as tingling or numbness, surgery may be an option. Surgery typically involves fusing two vertebrae together so they no longer press against each other when you move; however, there are risks involved including increased risk of infection and paralysis so it should only be considered after careful consideration by both you and your doctor.
Whatever course of action you ultimately decide upon, know that kissing spine is manageable if given adequate attention and care!
How Much Does Kissing Spine Surgery Cost for a Horse?
Kissing spine surgery for horses is a serious and often expensive procedure. The exact cost of the surgery can vary depending on the horse’s size, location, type of surgery required, and veterinary care needed after the operation. Generally speaking though, kissing spine surgery usually costs between $2,000-$7000 in total.
This includes pre-operative diagnostic tests such as X-Rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of damage to the spine; anesthesia fees; surgical fees; post-operative medication and rehabilitation treatment; and follow-up care with your veterinarian. It is important to note that some conditions may require additional treatments or further surgeries which can significantly increase total costs. Furthermore, many veterinarians will not perform this type of complicated surgery without first having an insurance policy in place that covers any potential complications during or after the procedure.
Ask the Vet – What is Kissing Spine?
Conclusion
Kissing the spine is a serious condition of the horse’s vertebrae which can cause extreme discomfort and pain for the animal. Although some horses with kissing spines can be ridden, it should only be done with great care and attention to ensure that no further harm or damage is caused. It’s important to speak to your vet and get professional advice before attempting any riding activities on a horse suffering from this condition.
With proper management such as physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, exercise regimes and diet adjustments; these horses can have a good quality of life while still being able to enjoy regular rides in some cases.
Janet G Kulick is an experienced horse rider, trainer, and owner of the informative horse blog, Horseray.com. Her engaging writing style and wealth of knowledge on horse care, riding, and training make her a trusted source for horse enthusiasts worldwide.