Impact on the back in different regions.
- Thoracolumbar spine (T10-L2):
– Galloping: causes greater mobility and flexion-extension, which can aggravate conditions such as kissing spine syndrome (KSS).
– Trotting: Generates less mobility, but seated trotting can induce repetitive microtrauma. - Lumbosacral region (L3-S1):
– Gallop: Increases load and lumbar flexion-extension, with potential compression at the L6-S1 junction.
– Jogging: better stabilizes the lumbosacral region, but may cause sacral overload with seated jogging. - Sacroiliac joint:
– Gallop: Requires great pelvic stabilization, which may predispose to sacroiliac inflammation in jumping horses.
– Trotting: Less direct impact on the sacroiliac, but its repetitiveness can generate biomechanical compensations.
Clinical Implications in Jumping Horses.
- Cases with kissing spine syndrome (KSS): avoid excessive cantering; prioritize suspended trot and ground bar work.
- Horses with core weakness: favor controlled trotting exercises to strengthen stabilizing muscles.
- Sacroiliac injuries: Minimize the impact of cantering on hard ground and favor straight line work.
- Chronic dorsalgia: Avoid prolonged seated trotting, as it induces microtraumas in the epiaxial musculature.
Optimal Management and Training to Minimize Impact.
- In rehabilitation:
Prioritize suspended trotting to strengthen the core without overloading the back.
Introduce cantering progressively in straight lines and on soft surfaces. - In regular training:
Alternate canter and trot sessions to balance mobility and stability.
Incorporate hill work and ground bar exercises to improve proprioception and back strength.
Avoid excessive sitting trotting in horses prone to dorsalgia. - Equipment adjustments:
Use of ergonomic, well-fitting saddles to reduce pressure on the spine.
Monitoring of postural asymmetries in the rider to avoid overloading the horse’s back.
Conclusion:
Which air impacts the back more?
It depends on the context:
✅ Galloping generates greater load on the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral spine, which can predispose to nerve compression and dorsalgia.
✅ Trotting stabilizes the spine, but seated trotting can induce repetitive microtraumas if the impact is not well absorbed.
✅ In rehabilitation and strengthening, suspended jogging is the best option to stimulate the musculature without overloading the spine.
✅ In horses with vertebral problems, cantering should be managed with care, especially on hard ground or with inadequate techniques.
This analysis allows you to adapt training strategies and clinical management according to the horse’s condition.
