The equine spine is a complex structure composed of numerous vertebrae that provide support, facilitate movement, and protect the spinal cord. It is divided into several regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal, each contributing to the overall biomechanics and flexibility of the horse. The spine plays a significant role in the horse's locomotion, posture, and ability to perform various tasks. Research on the equine spine encompasses studies on its anatomy, function, and the impact of various conditions such as injuries, deformities, and age-related changes. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the structural and functional aspects of the equine spine, as well as its role in equine health and performance.
Back pain is the cause of bad welfare in humans and animals. Although vertebral problems are regularly reported on riding horses, these problems are not always identified nor noticed enough to prevent these horses to be used for work. Results: Nineteen horses from two riding centres were submitted to chiropractic examinations performed by an experienced chiropractor and both horses' and riders' postures were observed during a riding lesson. The results show that 74% of horses were severely affected by vertebral problems, while only 26% were mildly or not affected. The degree of vertebral probl...
A 4-week old Quarter Horse filly was evaluated for abnormal gait and lateral deviation of the cervical spine. Physical examination findings prompted radiographs and computed tomography of the thoracic vertebral column which revealed hypoplasia of several thoracic vertebral bodies and resultant scoliosis of the thoracic vertebral column and deviation of the left and right hemithoraces and associated ribs. Collectively, radiography and computed tomography provided an accurate description of the vertebral malformations resulting in scoliosis in this foal.
Norrlund RR, Caragounis EC, Olsén MF.Equestrian sports have been found to cause high rates of injuries. In clinical practise after such injuries, polytrauma protocol workups usually include whole-body computed tomography (WBCT), CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis with intravenous iodine contrast medium, and CT of the cervical spine and brain without contrast. The purpose was to investigate the use of WBCT in equestrian-related accidents, to analyse demographics, mechanism of injury (MOI), therapy and severity of equine-related accidents, radiology, and the use of protecting equipment. Methods: This is a retrospective study inclu...
Journal of biomechanicsNovember 13, 2025
Volume 194 113067 doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.113067
Smit NA, Bos JE, van Dieën JH, Kingma I.Repeated shocks, such as those occurring during horse riding, may result in a risk of overloading the low back. This study investigated accelerations and angular changes in the low back during horse riding, using Inertial measurement units (IMUs) on the pelvis, and L4, L1, and T11 spine levels during 30 min of walking and 10 min of cantering in twelve female participants. The root mean squared (RMS) linear acceleration of each IMU and the transmission (signal transfer) between each pair of IMUs were calculated from the measured accelerations. Additionally, angular motions between IMU's were ...
Hellige M, Geburek F.A number of indications exist that necessitate radiologic examination of the equine cervical spine. Different neurologic and pain-associated clinical signs within the scope of lameness or poor performance may be associated to pathologies of the cervical spine. Moreover, the number of requests for radiographic examinations of the cervical spine, for example as part of the pre-purchase examination, has increased significantly in recent years. However, the interpretation of radiographs represents a challenge, particularly in the case of clinically sound horses, as it often necessitates the resolu...
Gould S, Roy IR, Gabriel FD, Lowe R, Lin CY.Equestrian sports are associated with high rates of major injury compared to collision and powered two-wheel sports. Advancements in rider and horse safety equipment and the implementation of comprehensive emergency action planning standards may help mitigate injuries, particularly in regard to the Olympic disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and three-day eventing covered in this review. Personal safety equipment to consider includes helmets, safety and air vests, and horse tack including safety stirrups, acoustic dampeners, and breakaway reins. Equestrian event medical coverage requires em...
