Cold Backed - Whats that all about??

kathera · 08-02-2010, 01:21 PM

What can you tell me about a horse considered to be "cold backed"

I really dont know much about this particular horse, but i am going to look at him to buy.

It doesnt sound bad, only that he hunches a bit. Can it be trained out of? is it a learned habit?

would you look at a horse with a problem such as this?

Cornflower · 08-02-2010, 03:37 PM

Well it generally means that the horse is a bit sensitive in the back when you first saddle up and hop on. Usually soreness of some sort. Maybe from an old injury. Or muscle troubles. Or that's just him and it just takes him a bit longer to warm up.
I wouldn't have a problem buying a horse like this. Just depends on how bad he is, and if it was from an old injury that would get worse or not.
Normally, if a horse is cold backed, you saddle up and either walk him or lunge him a little to warm up. I'm talking lunge for 5mins, large circles, to warm up the muscles.
Then hop on and ride as normal.
Just need to keep in mind that he will take longer to warm up and therefore the amount of times you spend doing warm up and stretching exersises will be more than a normal horse.

To be honest with you, i would either walk or lightly lunge any horse before getting on and riding. Just to let everything move and settle. And then you can do the girth up properly and hop on.

blitzen · 08-02-2010, 04:25 PM

my old horse was cold backed & it generally meant he was a bit 'humpy' at the start, then he would settle once warmed up. warm up generally just involved 5-10mins of walking around on a long rein.

like cornflower, it wouldn't put me off either.

Brew · 08-02-2010, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathera

What can you tell me about a horse considered to be "cold backed"

I really dont know much about this particular horse, but i am going to look at him to buy.

It doesnt sound bad, only that he hunches a bit. Can it be trained out of? is it a learned habit?

would you look at a horse with a problem such as this?

Don't look at it - If you need to ask what cold backed is you should not even consider it even if free !! Cold backed horses vary from little humps to wild bucking and should only be considered by advanced riders.Why on earth would you look at a horse with problems when you can find lots of good horses ??

kathera · 09-02-2010, 08:48 AM

Sheesh Brew - you should go meet sharaway's Team! They like to sit in dark corners and through marscapone cream...(old post) I just like to hear peoples opinions as I dont like to assume i know everything about a topic, regardless of riding level.

Those good horses - where are they?? every where i am looking are not what has been said and not good horses, hence considering this one.

thanks Corny - that is my concern - old injury that could get worse. To me i would just call that old injury - and wondered if cold back related to anything specific, but i take it not.

cheers

jacko88 · 09-02-2010, 09:21 AM

I've never heard it being used to describe a horse with an injury, only horses that might like to hump up, pigroot etc when you first get on them.

Seahorse · 09-02-2010, 10:11 AM

I've seen a couple who were cold-backed who competed successfully for years, it wouldn't put me off point blank. But it could quite possibly be a sign of a bit of a sore or a weak back, horses don't do things for no reason.
So I would check it out in person first

Nicnacs_Mistress · 09-02-2010, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brew

Don't look at it - If you need to ask what cold backed is you should not even consider it even if free !! Cold backed horses vary from little humps to wild bucking and should only be considered by advanced riders.Why on earth would you look at a horse with problems when you can find lots of good horses ??

No offence Brew, but how are people supposed to learn about various terms, different opinions and differing training methods if they cannot ask a fellow equestrian?

I know I often confuse the WORDS girthy, cold backed and 'fresh', so I think it isn't fair to make a statement like you have above (in bold) as I am sure there are people out there who do the same or very similar.

However, you do have a point, but I think it should be clarified further. For instance, if someone can manage the problem, is able to seek further help with the problem (and is willing to do so) and can use preventative/assistive measures to work the horse without the problem arising, I think they should go for it.

There are plenty of GOOD horses out there that kick, bite, windsuck, chew things etc, would you say they shouldn't be owned by anybody that isn't an advanced rider?

holistichorse · 09-02-2010, 01:09 PM

I often get asked to come out and treat cold backed horses, and a lot of the time it is a reaction to pain of some sort whether it be from the saddle to the feet etc...

Heifer · 09-02-2010, 01:25 PM

HH - you treated Buckles, who i would consider "cold backed", not sure if your memory is better than mine, i just remember how i managed it. Always a quartersheet in cool weather, and i am SURE the thinline helped him. Plenty of long and low, deep and round work to strengthen topline.