Horse Kissing Spines Rehabilitation

Kissing spines, or overriding dorsal spinous processes, is a common source of back pain in horses, and comprehensive rehabilitation approaches can significantly improve welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Kissing spines affect an estimated 40% of horses examined radiographically, though not all show clinical signs
The condition involves narrowing or contact between the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae
Clinical signs include reluctance to work, cold-back behaviour, poor performance, bucking, and girth sensitivity
Treatment ranges from physiotherapy and corticosteroid injection to surgical interspinous ligament desmotomy
Saddle fit is a critical factor — poorly fitted saddles can exacerbate or precipitate clinical signs
Many horses return to full ridden work following appropriate treatment and rehabilitation

Welfare Considerations

Kissing spines causes genuine pain and discomfort in affected horses, yet is frequently misdiagnosed or attributed to behavioural problems. Horses showing resistance, bucking, or reluctance to work may be expressing pain responses that are misinterpreted as disobedience. This misinterpretation can lead to inappropriate training interventions that further compromise welfare. Early diagnosis through veterinary assessment including radiography allows treatment before chronic pain sensitisation develops. Comprehensive rehabilitation involving physiotherapy, appropriate exercise prescription, and ongoing saddle fitting review is essential for sustained welfare improvement. The welfare of horses with kissing spines is a shared responsibility between veterinarians, physiotherapists, trainers, and owners.

What You Can Do

Have your horse veterinarily assessed if they show any signs of back pain or resistance under saddle
Ensure regular saddle fit checks by a qualified saddle fitter, ideally every six months
Work with a veterinary physiotherapist to develop an appropriate rehabilitation plan for affected horses
Avoid training through pain — resistance behaviours should prompt welfare assessment, not escalation of pressure
Learn to recognise subtle signs of back pain in horses through equine behaviour and welfare resources
Support research into kissing spines treatment outcomes by engaging with equine welfare science