lowback/lordosis

Question
My mare has a slight sway,or just a low back. Her new owner is a novice & is concernd that there may be a problem later on for the mare. She is 18 now. I told her that with a riser pad there shouldn't be any trouble, I would like to know your opinion, will she actualy become swayed later in life? I read an article about this, but ofcourse I can't find it when I need it. The mare was like this when I bought her, 6 yrs ago, but I didn't even notice it for a couple months, could only see her beauty I geuss. She has never had a problem carrying me, & I'm not a lite weight. If you could enliten the both of us, it would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou, Jkigrdn

Answer
Hi Jackie;

It depends.  :-)  She may have tears in the ligament system that will continue to get worse as she ages later making her sway-backed.  It might be her conformation and it's just the way she is.

Do a belly lift, and if she lifts her back significantly, then you'll know it's a body weakness.  If it is, then chiropractor, massage and correct riding are her best friends.

If she doesn't lift it much, then it's how she's built.  Fit the saddle as best as you can, and carry on.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Lana Reinhardt