Kissing spines, or overriding dorsal spinous processes, is a common cause of back pain in horses with significant welfare implications for ridden performance.
Kissing spines causes chronic back pain that affects every aspect of a horse's ridden life. Horses in pain may be labeled 'difficult' or 'naughty' when they are actually expressing pain. The condition often goes undiagnosed for years. Welfare requires recognizing behavioral changes as potential pain signals, thorough back examination as part of any lameness or performance workup, and appropriate pain management.