Page 559 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figures 12.17a and b Correctly and incorrectly fitted numnahs: a) correctly pulled up into the saddle’s gullet; b) incorrectly
pressing on the horse’s back
COLD BACKS AND PAIN IN THE GIRTH REGION
The term ‘cold-backed’ is used to describe horses that persistently dip their backs and
hindquarters when mounted. They are often short striding for the first 10 minutes of exercise.
In some cases the reaction is extreme and the horse collapses as the girth is tightened.
Causes
In the past these symptoms have been attributed to ‘bad behaviour’ or habit, possibly
following an episode of back pain. A number of causes of back pain can trigger this type of
behaviour. However, it is increasingly being recognized that some of these horses are
suffering from hypersensitivity and pain in the girth and wither regions.
Why does this happen?
There are several possible causes of this pain:
