Why Does a Horse's Topline Sag?

Also called "swayback" or "lordosis," a horse's sagging topline, or back, may be caused by poor conformation, aging, pregnancy or lactation. How it is ridden can contribute to the problem. The condition does not necessarily mean the horse is unsound or unable to work.

Topline Definition
- The topline is supported by a complex interplay of muscles and ligaments.
  
  The topline is held together by a ring of muscles, which includes the ligaments and muscles of the back and abdomen.
Fitness and Exercise
- A well-ridden, comfortable horse
  
  To keep a horse's back healthy, this ring of of muscles must be kept strong and supple. A consistent program of conditioning and stretching exercises is important.
Healthy Topline Riding Technique
- A horse that is stiff and uncomfortable
  
  Riding with collection encourages the horse to shift more weight onto the hindquarters and reach under itself with its hind legs. This allows the horse to use its back and abdominal muscles more effectively.
  
  Riding a horse consistently with the majority of its weight on the two front legs, and without engaging his back and hindquarters, can lead to weakening of the back and abdominal muscles that contribute to a sagging topline. A horse ridden that won't develop a well-muscled topline.
Horses Prone to Swayback
- Swayback is not unusual in older broodmares
  
  Some older horses and broodmares may develop a swayback as they age, but they still can be sound and capable of work. In fact, exercise is often very beneficial. Horses with overly long backs, while more flexible, tend to be structurally weaker and may be more prone than other horses to a sagging topline, too.