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Hollow Back
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A hollow backed, or ventroflexed, horse is one whose back is concave as opposed to being straight. This is not necessarily problematic; in fact, it is desirable in some instances. It occurs most commonly in older horses or horses that have produced a large number of foals. No one breed is more susceptible to being hollow backed than another.
Backing Up
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A horse can be trained to back up upon command, but a horse that does it on its own can be dangerous. A horse moving backward has less control over its actions because it cannot see behind it, and often horses can back up so quickly that they lift their front legs, jeopardizing the safety of the rider. No one horse breed is more susceptible to this action than another.
Treatment
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You can prevent a horse from developing a hollow back by waiting until the proper time before you begin training. Horses often are forced into this position when they start training too young or when their muscles are not strengthened and stretched.
You can prevent a horse from backing up by progressing through the training necessary to ensure that your horse responds to your commands and is not easily excited.
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Dangerous Horses Who Hollow and Back Up
Horses are susceptible to a variety of health problems, including hollow back and personality quirks, like excitability and backing up. These problems usually develop during the training period of a horse's life and can be prevented by taking the appropriate steps.