Kissing Spine in Horses: Understanding, Managing, and Supporting Spinal Health
Our horses give us so much — trust, partnership, and incredible athletic ability. As owners, riders, and caretakers, it’s our job to support them in every way possible. One condition that’s becoming more widely recognized in the equine world is kissing spine. While the name sounds sweet, it’s actually a challenging spinal issue that can impact a horse’s comfort, performance, and quality of life. The good news? With awareness and proactive care, horses with kissing spine can thrive.
What is Kissing Spine?
Kissing spine, officially called overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP), happens when the bony projections along a horse’s spine (the spinous processes) sit too close together and actually touch or “kiss.” This close contact can cause pain, inflammation, and restricted movement.
Kissing spine most often affects the area just behind the saddle, though it can appear anywhere along the spine. The condition can vary from mild to severe, and not every horse shows the same level of discomfort.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Horses with kissing spine may show subtle changes at first, so it’s important to pay attention to their behavior and movement. Some common signs include:
Resistance under saddle (bucking, hollowing the back, refusing jumps)
Stiffness or shortened stride
Difficulty engaging the hindquarters
Changes in attitude or reluctance to work
Sensitivity when grooming or saddling
If you notice these patterns, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
While veterinary diagnosis and treatment are the first steps, supportive therapies like chiropractic care can play a huge role in managing kissing spine. By gently restoring motion and alignment in the spine and surrounding joints, chiropractic adjustments can:
Relieve compensatory tension in other parts of the body
Improve overall flexibility and posture
Support balanced muscle development
Enhance comfort and performance during work
Think of chiropractic care as giving your horse’s body the best chance to adapt and function well, even with structural challenges.
Hope and Wellness for the Long Term
A kissing spine diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of your horse’s career or joy in movement. With the right combination of veterinary care, thoughtful training adjustments, and supportive therapies like chiropractic, many horses go on to live full, active, and comfortable lives.
The key is early recognition and consistent wellness care. As owners, we have the opportunity to notice small changes and take action before discomfort becomes a major setback.
Because at the end of the day, our goal is simple: happy, healthy horses who move with ease and confidence. 🐴