Why is my horse's back sore, causing bucking, despite a custom saddle?

Question

Macs back gets sore from the withers to point of hip every once in a while. He is prone to bucking when playing with the other horses so I’m wondering if this is the cause. I bought him about a year ago and he had some old scars on his back where he was sore. Recently, the soreness has come back more severe than before and new scarring is appearing but there has been no scratches or open wounds. He has a custom saddle and is stretched and warmed up well before ridden. What could be causing this? Pet's info: Farm Animal | Horse | Male | neutered | 14 years and 11 months old

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

How do you know he is sore? Does he react when you push on his back? How long ago was the custom saddle made? Was it made by a professional saddle fitter? I would say about 95% of the time a horse's sore back is due to an improperly fitted saddle. The other times it could be a variety of things from sore hocks to unbalanced hooves to arthritis to trauma. Too hard to say just based on your description. I recommend you have your vet out to do a full lameness exam - sometimes the hocks are sore but it is not noticeable until you do flexion tests. I would also revisit the saddle issue and have a professional saddle fitter out to check the saddle. In the meantime you could employ a massage therapist and /or equine chiropractor or acupuncturist to see if they can alleviate some of his symptoms. They will not usually be able to fix the underlying cause but they can help him feel better until you can figure it out.

Why is my horse's back sore, causing bucking, despite a custom saddle?

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