Reducing the Risk of Kissing Spines: Exercises to Protect Your Horses Back

As mentioned in my last blog post, the dreaded term "kissing spines" is being mentioned more frequently. So, what actually is kissing spines? Formally known as 'Over Riding Dorsal Spinous Processes', this describes the touching of two or more vertebrae in the horse's back. This can cause pain, restricted movement and, over time, changes in posture and performance. Before we delve into the "why's" behind this, let's discuss how we can help protect your horse's back, and reduce the risk of developing kissing spines in the first place (with scientifically backed research).

Why Does Strengthening Matter?

While many horses are naturally predisposed to kissing spines, there is a lot we can do to support spinal health. One of the most effective approaches is to build up the horse's topline, and deep core muscles, increasing the space and stability around the spine, helping the horse to carry themselves, and eventually the rider.

This is where Dynamic Mobilisation Exercises (DMEs) come in. Think of them as the equine equivalent of Pilates.

These exercises are:

• Performed on the ground, with the horse standing still

• Target the deep postural muscles that are responsible for spinal stability,

• Strengthen muscles that riding alone, does not effectively target

The goal is to create a strong, supportive “armour” around the spine.

Carrot Stretches

You may have heard your physio mention carrot stretches before (if not, there is a video of me demonstrating these on my Instagram @chloereeves.animalperformance).

In scientific literature these are often referred to as baited stretches, because the horse follows a bait (often a carrot) into controlled flexion or bending. Although these exercises are not hugely complicated, completing them regularly can make a significant difference.

A 2023 study found that:

• The further the horse has to reach, the greater the muscle activation.

• Lateral stretches (toward the shoulder or flank) particularly activate the abdominals.

• Flexion stretches (chin-to-chest or chin-to-fetlocks) engage the spinal stabilisers.

So, while these exercises may look simple, they are doing a lot of good when done correctly and consistently.

Belly Lifts

Another exercise I commonly prescribe is belly lifts. These are performed by applying a gentle pressure along the horse's midline which causes them to round through their back muscles and contract their abdominals. The muscles targeted with this exercise are deep stabilising muscles that support the spine and help maintain posture during movement.

Scientific evidence:

• A 2011 study demonstrated that belly lifts significantly increase thoracic and lumbar (spinal) flexion, which is beneficial for improving the horse’s ability to lift its back under saddle.

• Further research in 2011 and 2013 found that horses completing daily core activation exercises (including belly lifts) showed a measurable increase in multifidus muscle cross-sectional area over a 12-week period. This means the deep stabilising muscle actually increased in size. This is very important because the Multifidus muscle is one of the first muscles to atrophy/weaken in horse's with back pain, particularly in early stage kissing spines.

To conclude, belly lifts train the muscles that lift the back. Without this strength, the spine can hollow, increasing the risk of kissing spines

Pelvic Tucks

The final exercise I will be discussing is pelvic tucks (also displayed in a video on my Instagram page).

Pelvic tucks involve applying gentle pressure along the hindquarters / hamstring line to encourage the horse to tilt the pelvis, engaging the hindlimb muscles and core. When the horse performs a pelvic tuck, the lumbosacral junction flexes (where the lumbar spine meets the pelvis). This recruits the abdominals, hip flexors and deep spinal stabilising muscles.

Scientific evidence:

• Research from 1999 and 2014 found pelvic tucks to be one of the most effective exercises for activating the spinal stabilising muscles and engaging the hindlimb.

• Other studies have shown that pelvic tucks improve postural stability, reducing tension in the back muscles and improving the ability to collect and engage the pelvis under saddle.

Pelvic tucks are a brilliant exercise to help improve your horse's posture, in turn aiding spinal flexion and abdominal recruitment to correctly work over the back, reducing the risk of kissing spines.

How long until I see results?

Consistent daily use of DME's over 10–12-week period has been proven to:

• Increase core muscle mass and tone.

• Topline development

• Improve the horse's ability to lift and round the back under saddle \

• Improve stride quality and pelvic stability

• Support recovery in horses with mild back pain or weakness.

When a horse lacks spinal stability, they struggle to carry the rider in balance. This often leads to tension, hollowing, and reduced hindlimb engagement... all things many owners see every day without realising why.

How do I include these in my horses training programme?

It is always important when adding in new exercises to consult your physiotherapist, or a para-professional, some cases require alternatives or modifications.

Generally, DMEs are performed:

• 4-5x a week

• With specific repetitions and hold-times prescribed by your physiotherapist.

How do I know if the exercises are working?

You’ll start to see:

• A fuller, more developed topline

• Improved ability to lift into the contact

• Smoother transitions

• Reduced tension through the back

• More active and engaged hindlimbs

Here is an example of one of my clients after 10 weeks of a tailored DME home routine targeted at topline development:

Disclaimer: Chester does not have kissing spines.

To conclude, I hope this blog highlights the importance of completing these exercises everyday. Small, consistent practices can have a big impact. Daily DMEs support spinal stability, improve comfort under saddle, and help your horse move with more freedom, confidence, and ease. Most importantly, they promote the kind of balance and relaxation that builds a harmonious partnership between horse and rider.

If you have any questions or topics you'd like me to discuss, please leave them down below, or feel free to contact me privately.

Thank you for reading!