Does a sway-back hurt?

[HappyHorse13]

Hi guys, I have a question: does a sway-back hurt a horse when you ride them?
What exactly causes a sway-back?

[theprancingpony]

A sway back is caused usually by old age, or by having lots of foals if the horse is a mare. Horses with sway-backs usually cannot withstand as much riding, and usually only are ridden lightly, depending on how bad the back is. That's just my limited knowledge on them, you might want to search it online.

[Manda]

When I was still looking for a horse, I found an absolutely beautiful thoroughbred, he was 6 years old but SEVERELY sway-backed. (the people failed to tell me this before I drove an hour to see him.) Sway backs do hurt, and they prevent the horse from collecting himself when you ride, as he cannot round his back. Don't buy a sway-backed horse, not worth it at all.

[aub TVF]

You pose a very valid question... First off... Sway back is most commonly a conformational deformity if you will... Just the way a horse is built... Often times we see extreem cases in older horses... I think this is due to years of preasure on the back as well as systimatic growth and maturity... Does it hurt? From all that I have seen... The awnser is no... Though I do think it is a wise thing to be attentive to the health of a horses back especially in severe cases that you might give you reason for concern..... Other than that... Ride on... : )

[Cornerstonegirl15]

Sway back doesn't hurt the horse in less severe cases. There used to be a horse with a mild sway back at my barn and he was just fine doing a normal amount of work as a lesson horse. He even was a bit fresh sometimes. So as long as the horse doesn't act or look as if he's in pain they are fine to ride, although it does feel weird like your leaning back more!

[horsesxox23]

i would say that it doesnt hurt the horse cuz my stud has a sway back, prolly cuz hes 27, but i still go out and ride him almost evryday usually bareback but hes just as happy with a saddle, and he does not show any sign of pain in his back, in fact he seems to be very content :D , but if there is a younger horse with a sway back i would say its a confirmational defect.

[bethfornow]

I think it depends alot on the horse and how severe it is.....

[Casper2002]

There are excersizes you can do to decrease the sway back. I have a mare that goes sway back after having a baby and we get it up after a while. You stick your hands under their belly right where the belly button is and push up till they raise their back do that a few minutes a day and it straitens the top line. It really works. Good Luck

[Concertedeffort21]

Depends on how severe.. it is mostly old age of in a brood mare case to many foals.. I would use a nice thick foam pad or wither relief to keep the horse comfortable.

[misschexsan]

I read an article I believe that it was last month in one of my magazines either Equus or Horse & Rider and they had talked about sway backs. From my understanding it is a conformation defect that actually is worse in some breeds than others. How ever all breeds can be affected. The article did say that it is not pain ful you just have to be more aware of saddle fit so that it does not apply to much pressure and to use good thick pads. I wish that I had the magazine here with me. Everyone have a great day.

[Fells_4_ever]

Sway back usually occurs naturally in some horses due to old age but it cant be a default in there conformation too. Im not sure if it hurts or not, a chiropractor should be able to tell you.