16/04/2026
Why are horses so prone to tension in their lower back? 🐎
The lumbar region (the area behind the saddle and before the hindquarters) is one of the most common places I find tension in horses and it’s no coincidence.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the lumbar region is designed for stability rather than movement. It doesn’t have ribs to support it, and it relies heavily on surrounding muscles to do the hard work. That means it can easily become overloaded.
So why does tension build up here?
🔹 Power transfer from behind
The hindlimbs generate all the power, and that force travels through the lumbar region. If something isn’t quite right (weakness, imbalance, poor posture), this area takes the strain.
🔹 Posture & way of going
Horses working hollow, lacking core strength, or not engaging their hind end properly will place more stress through their lower back.
🔹 Saddle fit & rider influence
A poorly fitting saddle or an unbalanced rider can create pressure just in front of the lumbar region, leading to compensation and tightness behind it.
🔹 Muscle fatigue & weakness
The lumbar area is surrounded by big stabilising muscles. If these become tired or underdeveloped, they tighten to compensate.
🔹 Compensation patterns
Often, lumbar tension isn’t the root issue, it’s the result of something else (e.g. hock discomfort, SI issues, or asymmetry elsewhere).
✨ Think of the lumbar region like a bridge
It connects the engine (hindquarters) to the rest of the body. If there’s too much load or not enough support, it starts to stiffen and struggle.
💡 What can help?
• Building core strength
• Encouraging correct, relaxed movement
• Regular bodywork
• Checking saddle fit
• Addressing underlying issues early
If your horse feels tight through their back, resistant, or lacking impulsion, it might be time to look a little closer at their lumbar region 🕵🏽♀️
