Horse Kissing Spine: Welfare Management of Back Pain

Kissing spines (overriding dorsal spinous processes) cause chronic back pain in horses. Understanding diagnosis and management helps address this common but underrecognised welfare issue.

Key Facts

Kissing spines affect an estimated 39% of sport horses in some studies — far more common than previously recognised
The condition involves impingement or contact between vertebral spinous processes in the thoracic and lumbar spine
Many affected horses continue working despite chronic back pain that manifests as poor performance and behavioural changes
Diagnosis requires radiography — the condition is invisible to physical examination alone
Corticosteroid injection provides relief in many cases; surgical interspinous ligament desmotomy can resolve impingement
Physiotherapy, appropriate saddle fitting, and targeted exercise build back musculature that supports the spine
Tack fit is critically important — poorly fitting saddles cause or worsen back pain

Welfare Considerations

Kissing spines represent a major and systematically underrecognised source of chronic pain in working horses. The high prevalence in sport horses — potentially affecting 40% of horses used in jumping and dressage — combined with the subtlety of presentation means many horses work through significant chronic discomfort. Behavioural signs that are often attributed to training problems — reluctance to engage hindquarters, resistance to rein contact, difficulty collecting, and changes in temperament — may actually represent pain communication. Imaging programs at purchase, treatment of identified cases, and appropriate management modifications are the welfare response. The financial cost of diagnosis and treatment represents a barrier that should not prevent welfare action in horses showing indicative signs.

What You Can Do

Investigate back pain through imaging if your horse shows unexplained performance decline or behavioural changes
Ensure saddle fit is regularly checked by a qualified saddle fitter — poor fit causes and worsens back pain
Discuss corticosteroid injection or surgical options with your vet for confirmed kissing spines cases
Implement physiotherapy and appropriate exercise programs recommended by an equine physiotherapist
Do not dismiss behavioural resistance in ridden horses as training issues without ruling out pain