Page 561 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Once the horse is girthed up it may move in a short-striding and restricted fashion for the
• first few minutes of exercise. Some horses will leap forwards when asked to walk on.

VetBooks.ir • Others hump their backs and buck, especially on the transition to canter.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of girth-region pain is made on the clinical signs. The horse should have a full
examination to rule out any other contributory factors such as lameness, gastric ulcers, poor

saddle fit or unsuitable girths (see Girth Galls on page 590).

Treatment

Suitable treatments include:
• sensitive handling, as rough grooming or girthing up may cause the problem or be a

contributory factor
• chiropractic treatment of the withers

• osteopathy

• acupuncture or acupressure

• physiotherapy, including massage, stretching and myofascial release

• removal or treatment of any underlying problems (e.g. gastric ulcers).

A combination of these treatments may be used.

Management

These horses need thoughtful handling to overcome the association between saddling up and
discomfort. The following action should be taken.

• Regular saddle-fit checks.

• Use of a wide, comfortable girth; well-maintained leather ones may be the most
comfortable. Some dressage girths, for example, can dig into the soft skin behind the

horse’s elbow when the horse moves (Figures 12.18).
• Girths with elastic at one end can inadvertently be over-tightened. This can pull the

saddle to one side and interfere with the horse’s breathing. Girths with elastic at both
ends must not be overtightened.

• Always use a mounting block. Take care to avoid poking the horse’s ribcage with your

toe when mounting.