Your Horse Had Kissing Spines Surgery. Now What About the Saddle?

The call from your veterinarian brings a wave of relief—and anxiety. The kissing spines surgery was a success. Now, the real work begins: a long, careful journey of rehabilitation to rebuild strength, confidence, and a pain-free partnership.

But as you map out hand-walking schedules and physiotherapy exercises, a critical question arises: what about the saddle? The saddle that fit before surgery now sits on a completely different back, one shaped by muscle atrophy and surgical sensitivity but with the potential for new, healthy muscle.

Putting the old saddle back on is like wearing tight running shoes after foot surgery. It’s not just uncomfortable; it’s a recipe for re-injury that can hinder the very recovery you’ve invested so much in. Understanding the science of saddle fit isn’t just a detail; it’s the cornerstone of a successful comeback.

Understanding the Post-Surgical Back: A New Landscape

To find the right saddle solution, we must first appreciate what makes the post-surgical back so unique. Kissing spines, or Dorsal Spinous Process Impingement, occurs when the bony projections from the vertebrae begin to touch or overlap. The goal of surgery is to create space and eliminate this painful contact.

However, surgery doesn’t instantly create a strong, sound back. In fact, it’s often the opposite.

Research from veterinary experts like Dr. Sue Dyson highlights a common pre-surgical condition: significant muscle atrophy. The chronic pain from kissing spines causes a horse to stop using its core and back muscles correctly. The multifidus and longissimus dorsi—the deep muscles that support and stabilize the spine—waste away.

Your horse’s post-surgical back is a new landscape defined by:

1. Muscle Atrophy: The topline may be weak or “hollow,” with dips on either side of the spine.
2. Surgical Sensitivity: The area around the incision is tender and needs to be protected from all pressure.
3. A Changing Shape: As rehabilitation progresses, those atrophied muscles will (and should) begin to rebuild.

This means the back you’re saddling on day 30 of rehab will be vastly different from the one on day 90, and different again at six months.

The Saddle’s Role: Healer or Hindrance?

During rehabilitation, the saddle is an active participant. It can either create a safe, comfortable environment that encourages correct muscle development or become a source of pain that sabotages the entire process.

An ill-fitting saddle on a post-op back can cause a cascade of problems. Studies from institutions like the Animal Health Trust show that poor saddle fit leads to concentrated pressure points, restricted shoulder movement, and compensatory gait patterns. For a horse in recovery, this means:

• Inhibited Muscle Growth: If the saddle pinches or presses on the muscles you’re trying to build, the horse will brace against the pain, preventing those muscles from engaging and strengthening.
• Risk of Re-Injury: Concentrated pressure near the surgical site can create inflammation and pain, undoing the benefits of the procedure.
• Behavioral Issues: A horse that associates work with saddle pain will become resistant, sour, and unwilling to move forward freely—symptoms you might mistake for post-surgical soreness.

The goal isn’t just to find a saddle that “fits” the current, atrophied back. It’s to find a solution that can support the back as it transforms.

Refitting for Recovery: Key Principles for a Post-Op Saddle

So, what does a recovery-friendly saddle look like? It’s not about a specific brand or model but about adhering to biomechanical principles that prioritize spinal health. When working with your saddle fitter, focus on these non-negotiables.

1. The Gullet Channel: A Pressure-Free Zone

This is the single most important factor. The channel running down the center of the saddle must be wide enough to provide generous clearance on either side of the entire spine, from the withers to the loin. Dr. Sue Dyson’s research emphasizes that any contact or pressure on the spinous processes can trigger pain and inflammation. The saddle must sit entirely on the long back muscles, creating a safe, pressure-free corridor for the spine.

2. Panel Design: The Foundation of Support

The panels are the direct interface between the saddle and the horse. Their job is to distribute the rider’s weight evenly across the broadest possible surface area, avoiding harmful pressure points. For a horse recovering from surgery, the panels need to be:

• Wide and Flat: To maximize the weight-bearing surface and reduce pounds per square inch (PSI).
• Smooth and Even: Without lumps or inconsistencies that could create sore spots.
• Supportive, Not Restrictive: The design of the saddle panels must follow the contours of the rebuilding muscles without pinching them. This philosophy is why some saddle makers have developed specialized solutions, with panels specifically shaped to increase surface area and reduce pressure near the spine.

3. Stability and Balance

A saddle that rocks, slips sideways, or bridges (makes contact at the front and back but not the middle) is a nightmare for a sensitive back. It creates friction and shifting pressure points. The saddle must be perfectly stable, allowing the horse to move underneath it without interference. This often requires a professional fitter to assess the flocking and make adjustments as the horse’s muscle tone improves.

4. Adaptability Over Time

The perfect fit today will likely be incorrect in two months. An ideal rehabilitation saddle is one that can be adjusted. This might mean a saddle with wool flocking that can be easily altered by a fitter or a system with adjustable components. Using corrective pads can be a temporary fix, but it’s often like putting thick socks in shoes that are already the wrong shape—it can create new pressure points.

Frequently Asked Questions for Riders on the Rehab Journey

Navigating this process can be overwhelming. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear.

When can I start riding my horse after kissing spines surgery?
This is a question exclusively for your veterinarian. They will provide a detailed, phased rehabilitation plan based on your horse’s specific surgery and recovery. Rushing this process is the fastest way to cause a setback.

How often should I have my saddle checked during rehabilitation?
More often than you might think. A good rule of thumb is to have a professional saddle fitter check the fit every 6-8 weeks for the first six months of ridden work. As your horse’s musculature changes, the saddle will need adjustments to match.

My horse still seems sore or reluctant to work. Is it the saddle?
It could be. If your horse shows signs of discomfort like pinning ears, swishing its tail, or hesitating to move forward, the first step is to rule out pain. Have your veterinarian assess the horse’s back, and then have a qualified fitter evaluate the saddle immediately. Never assume a behavioral issue is “just training” during this sensitive period.

Can I just use a special therapeutic pad with my old saddle?
While pads can help with minor imperfections, they cannot fix a fundamentally ill-fitting saddle. A saddle that is too narrow, bridges, or has a tight gullet will still cause pain, even with a thick pad. A pad can sometimes make a bad fit worse by further narrowing the space for the withers and spine. The priority must be getting the saddle itself right.

The Path Forward: A Partnership in Recovery

Bringing a horse back from kissing spines surgery is a testament to your dedication. By making saddle fit a central part of your rehabilitation plan, you give your horse the best possible chance for a comfortable, athletic, and pain-free future.

The saddle is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s part of your communication. During this critical time, it needs to whisper encouragement, not shout with pain.