Horse Kissing Spine Prevention and Management

Overriding or kissing dorsal spinous processes (KSP) cause significant spinal pain in horses, with management and training approaches that either prevent or worsen the condition.

Key Facts

Kissing spines describes the condition where adjacent vertebral dorsal processes contact or overlap causing pain and inflammation
An estimated 39% of sport horses may have some degree of dorsal spinous process overriding on radiographs
The condition causes back pain that may manifest as unwillingness to work, bucking, or poor performance
Poor saddle fit and training methods that hollow the back rather than engaging the core can worsen kissing spines
Training approaches that develop core musculature and encourage correct back carriage reduce kissing spine severity
Treatment options range from conservative physiotherapy to medical injection and surgical widening of spinous process spacing

Welfare Considerations

Kissing spines create a diagnostic challenge because the condition is extremely common but variable in clinical significance - many horses with radiographic evidence of overriding processes are comfortable in work, while others with milder changes experience significant pain. The welfare concern is for horses whose back pain is attributed to training or behavioral problems without adequate investigation of underlying physical causes. A horse that bucks, resents girthing, or falls behind the leg may be in genuine pain from spinal pathology. The training and management approach matters significantly: methods that develop correct musculature and back carriage can reduce pain, while approaches that hollow the back exacerbate it. Saddle fit assessment by a qualified fitter is essential for any horse with back pain.

What You Can Do

If your horse shows signs of back pain or resentment to girthing, seek veterinary assessment before training interventions
Commission saddle fit assessment from a qualified fitter - poorly fitting saddles worsen kissing spine pain significantly
Work with an equine physiotherapist to develop the core musculature that supports spinal health
Train using approaches that encourage correct back carriage and hindquarter engagement rather than hollow outline
Discuss treatment options with an equine vet if conservative management does not resolve clinical signs
Raise awareness among other horse owners that behavioral problems often have underlying physical pain causes