Sore back and/or neck?

How one can tell that horse has sore back or neck?

Back:
Take index finger and thumb finger nails and glide them down back on each side of the back bone. Does your horse flinch? You've got a sore backed-horse. If the horse is gaited he wil pace when you try to gait.

Same with sunny that is one way.

Also if you know the horse and how he/she moves you can tell they are stiff when they move in certain ways. My horse tends to stretch his neck down and out when his back gets sore, he also enjoys the neck massage a lot more when he is.

I was told my previous horse has a sore back. He would move his back away when you pressed your finger along his spine. I was curious and did some research and I read that it's a normal response(to slightly flinch) but if the horse really flinches than you have a sore back.

When the vet came out to do the PPE for his new owners and he ran a pen (or something of that nature) down his back, he flinched and the vet didn't say anything about him having a sore back.

I guess it could sort of be the opposite of when you pet a cat down its back how it arches up, or if someone takes their finger and runs it down your back, you move away from it. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong..you're just reacting

Thanks, folks! I did try that on her back and while she obviously felt it I can't say she jumped away or anything nearly that. Didn't try to ride yet so will see.

Kitten Val,
Is this the same horse that is dragging the rear feet? If so, does the horse show any signs (scrapes) of having fallen in the pasture?

EPmhorse

No, that was for different one. :)

The one dragging feet my neighbor went to the pasture this afternoon to check and she still somewhat stiff.. I called vet again, but noone can come out till tomorrow. So will see....

With Timmy, I can tell that he has a sore back when I groom him. When I take a brush down his back, he will shift his feet and hollow out his back. He will also move away from the brush, which is quite odd for him because he loves to be groomed. He will also give me a face by turning around and looking at me.

I guess each horse is different. But if you know your horse, you will know when they don't feel good or are acting a bit off.

Same as 1st post. Our chiropractor (who is a miracle worker!) and our accupuncturist (ditto!) do the knuckle thing down either side of the spine. If they flinch, or step away it can be discomfort, but if you hit a really bad spot, they will kinda drop under your hand. As for neck soreness, they do stretches to check mobility. For example (this is only one of many they do) stand at your horses hip, and try to get him to reach around for a treat without actually stepping around to get it. Do it on both sides. It becomes obvious if one side is tighter that the other, as the mobility in one direction is limited. There are a bunch of different ones to do. If you think your horse has back/neck issues, consider a qualified chiropractor. We are so lucky to have a great one. He's a people chiropractor 1st, and he brings a portable table and does the grooms when he does the horses! We see such great results with chiropractic - I tell anyone who will listen!