The term cold back horse refers to a horse that objects to the “cold” feel of the saddle being put on its back. Horses can display this in various ways, from stomping, bolting when being mounted, to bucking, and more. In this article, we will discuss some of the causes of “cold back” and ways to manage them.
Back Pain
If your horse is acting cold back, the first thing to rule out is pain. A horse’s back is full of sensitive nerve endings. This pain could be caused by a saddle that does fit properly and is leaving deep tissue injuries. Back pain can also be caused by kissing spine, inflammation of the ligaments on top of the spine, or muscle strain. The list can go on.
Girth irritation can also cause a horse to react negatively to being saddled or ridden. It is essential to stretch the leg forward to ensure the skin under the girth is not folded up. Some horses cannot tolerate being girthed up tightly right off the get-go. Often it is better to tighten the girth slightly, but enough to keep the saddle from slipping under the horse’s barrel. Walk the horse around some and tighten the girth some more before mounting.
Training Issue
Back before science made us aware of how saddles and being ridden can affect a horse, it was believed cold back was a training or personality issue. If you have ruled out any pain, then it probably is a training issue.
Green horses without extensive training will sometimes act cold back and buck as they learn to carry the weight of the saddle. If a horse is not ridden consistently, it may have tendencies to act cold back. Some horses will learn not to be cold backed. However, with other horses, you will have to learn to manage it.
Possible Solution for Cold Backed Horse: Magnetic Blankets
In recent years magnetic blankets have become popular in managing pain in horses. Magnets are sewn into the filling of the blankets. Some manufacturers claim these magnets work to increase a horse’s blood-flow to relieve sore muscles. There was a study by the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Department of the University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden in 2014. The study did not uphold the claims of the manufacturers. However, there were some significant limitations to the study. Only ten healthy horses were used. None of the horses in the study had sore backs. On the flip side, users of the blankets are reporting excellent results.
Our Top Choice for Magnetic Banket:
Professional’s Choice Magnetic Horse Blanket/Sheet
Made of lightweight mesh fabric, this blanket is light enough to be used year-round. The fleece patch over the withers helps to prevent rubbing. It is secured with a nylon surcingle and two elastic leg straps.
Possible Solution for Cold Backed Horse: Magnesium Supplement
Magnesium plays a vital part in our horses’ health. This mineral is responsible for keeping horses calm and relaxed. Cold back behaviors in horses can be caused by Magnesium deficiency. Horses may show signs of nervousness, excitability, tight muscles, and muscle soreness, not related to saddle fit. If your horse is magnesium deficient, a supplement will be a good idea. Check out our post on the best magnesium supplements for horses for a more in-depth review of how magnesium helps your horse.
The Best Magnesium Supplements For Cold Backed Horses
Below, we will list a few of our favorite calming supplements for cold backed horses, these work well for spooky horses as well. If this list isn’t complete enough for you, check out our article on the best horse calming supplements.
Quiessense Banana Flavored Supplement
Type: Pellets
Size: 3.5lb
Horses seem to like the banana flavored pellets of this magnesium supplement. It is slightly higher than other supplements on the market. The results make it worth the extra cost. It is effective as both a calming agent for cold backed horses and for relieving sore muscles in horses from multiple disciplines.
If your horse is cold backed, it’s not the end of the world! There is a root of the problem that can more than likely be fixed with some diligent effort and maybe a little help from external sources.
Med-Vet Magnesium 5000
Type: Pellets
Size: 10lb or 20lb
Med-Vet Magnesium is a classic choice. On Amazon, it has a 5-star rating and can be used as support for:
- Anxious/Nervous Behavior
- Blood Sugar/Glucose Metabolism
- Muscle Function
- Immune System Function
MVP Magnesium 5000 provides concentrated magnesium to support your horse’s healthy bodily processes, including muscle, heart, and nervous system function. This feed supplement is in pellet form and is an NASC member.
Uckele Magnesium Oxide 10lb
Type: Powder
Size: 10lb
While Via-Calm’s supplement is already reasonably priced, if you just pay about $5 more, you can get twice as much magnesium supplement by weight. That makes Uckele’s magnesium our favorite choice for anyone looking to get the best “bang for their buck.”
If you’re not sure about starting off with a new supplement, MVP 5000 comes in portions as small as 10lbs and up to 40lbs.
Check out this article on ihearthorses for more information about cold backed horses.