Definition: A horse that has a hollow back will be carrying its head up, with its back concave or 'hollowed'. Often the horse will have stiff, stumpy gaits and although the neck and head may look elegantly arched, the bend is not correct. The causes of a hollowed back can be the riding training methods and poor conformation of the horse. Long backs, sickle hocks and other conformation defects can cause hollow backs. Aged horses whose muscles are weakening may become hollow or sway backed. There are also congenital conditions that cause a sway back. With sway backed horses however, the neck may be carried in a more natural position than a horse whose back is hollow from poor riding and training.
Also Known As: ventroflexion
Examples:
My horse was hollow backed because his previous rider rode with heavy hands and a saddle that did not fit.
