The equine back muscle: its importance and how to ensure its optimal function

Dysfunction of a horse's back can induce lameness or decrease performance, whereas improved back muscle can lead to improved back kinematics. Therefore, maximising the development of the back muscles can improve gait and increase performance. The epaxial muscles are the more superficial muscle group in the back and the hypaxial muscles are deeper. In order to increase the development of the epaxial muscles, non-ridden exercises, tack fit and the rider all need to be considered. Non-ridden exercises that can improve the epaxial muscles include dynamic mobilisations, incline water treadmill work and walking over ground poles. A correctly fitting saddle optimises the horse–rider interface and ensures the best interaction with the epaxial muscles. The influence of a rider can positively or negatively impact locomotion depending on the rider's fitness, weight and straightness.