Nobody really knows what is causing it. It can be MANY things. In many cases a poorly fitted saddle is to blame.
Yes, a saddle that does not fit can cause a lot of problems. Sadly we can not 100% tell how the horse is feeling and how comfortable he is.
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You can ask me any questions too.
FFS. a poorly fitting saddle does NOT cause KS. it can cause back-soreness but that is NOT KS.
KS is hereditary - it clearly has a genetic factor, as certain families are known to have it. it’s interlapping and/or impinging spinal processes.
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My vet seemed to think that most cases of KS were congenital. They have x-rays of unbroke horses with KS, so for those horses it’s clearly not caused by saddle fit.
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Ok, sorry, perhaps I did not form my sentence correctly.
Yes, KS is genetic, but correct me again if I am wrong, but a poorly fitted saddle can only make it worse (painwise) for horses who already have this condition.
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I’m not sure they 100% know KS is genetic (although they certainly do suspect it). Congenital and heritable are two different concepts. They don’t think it’s caused by saddle fit although KS (and really any other musculoskeletal problem) can certainly be exacerbated by human error (like poor saddle fit).
My two cents is that it is genetic/inheritable. I’ve seen several offspring of the same WB stallion confirmed to have it via x-ray, from different mares and different barns/training. Only identical contributor was their sire. Same goes for several TB families, where it is well known as an issue with particular sire lines.
It does seem that way, I just don’t think it’s a settled point of veterinary medicine
Thanks everyone for your feedback. He is retired.
Which TB sire lines?
My old vet used to say he saw a lot of “wobbly” TBs , too much work at a young age, the back isn’t done growing until 6, most track horses start training before they are even 2.
