Episode #148: Beyond the Saddle – Unraveling Equine Back Pain and Dysfunction

In this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, I explore a compelling case of a horse with chronic back pain, revealing that the issue wasn’t a poorly fitting saddle but a deeper problem rooted in the horse’s body. Through a real client story, I uncover how intercostal pain (between the ribs) and mid-gluteal dysfunction caused referred pain to the thoracic and lumbar regions, leading to hypersensitivity and stiff movement. Despite the horse’s strong back the dysfunctional movement patterns highlighted the need to look beyond the saddle. The episode dives into the science of referred pain, explaining how shared nerve pathways, such as those in the intercostal and gluteal muscles, can mislead owners into blaming the saddle when the root cause lies elsewhere.

The episode emphasizes the importance of addressing spinal and muscular dysfunction to ensure a healthy back, which is critical for proper saddle fit and overall equine comfort.

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Please note: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

Judith Rathbone