what is wrong with my horse?

[I_love_Ken]

my horse is part thoroughbred, and is quite muscly, but his back hurts him, and I put any pressure onto it, he kicks out and gets very uptight, his legs are ok, and are in very good condition, and he is a young horse!
please help!
I want to ask around before I ask a vet to come out, in case its just a small injury.

[stanleyman]

Might just be a poorly fitting saddle assuming you are riding him.

[Clanad]

If there are no obvious sore spots caused by the saddle or pad, as stanleyman suggests, it's important to understand that most causes of back pain in horses originates in places other than the back itself. Laminitis can be a suspect. You've stated the animals legs appear to be in good condition, but the laminae involved are more foot associated. As are problems with the hocks. If the horse has gotten loose in the grain bin, founder can also be suspected. Althought the horse is young, arthritis cannot be overlooked. If the animal will let you use a curry comb or brush on his back but reacts to more localized pressure on his back, be sure to mention this to the vet. In a young horse, these symptoms can be caused by being shod incorrectly. My father was an old time blacksmith (as well as a fine cowboy) here in the western U.S. I used to watch and help him when I was a child. Nothing irritated him more than correcting an inadequate or improper job by the previous farrier.
Chiropractic treatment in horses is becoming more accepted, as is treatment by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory injections. So... bottom line, check with your vet but be prepared for the answer to lie else where... Good luck!

[gucciman]

my fiancees horse has had a similiar problem and has just been treated by a practioner of the bowen techique. it is a very gentle manipulation of the muscles, almost like a massage. 2 sessions on and she has greatly improved. the woman who did treat her also told us that 80% of back problems are caused by poor tack.

[I_love_Ken]

thanks, he has had a few injuries in the past, caused by abusers, so I'm wondering if it is something to do with that at the moment, you know, the saddle pad rubbing them or something, I'm going to check him all over, the whole body, for all his injuries, and note them for the vet, and I'll also show him my tack, because I can ask him if that may be the problem either.

[lankeela]

Probably better to get him checked by an equine 'chiropracter', ask at your local feed merchants or saddlers, they probably have adverts for someone. Cheaper than vets and 99% of the time more effective!