Definition: The back is the area that extends between the withers and the loins. Beneath the surface of the skin are the upright ‘fins’ of the vertebrae. Along either side are many muscles. It is these upright boney process and muscles that we sit on when we ride. Relative to body size a short back is stronger for riding than a horse with a long back. Dropped or sway backs (lordosis) can be genetic, caused by old age, or caused by improper riding.
Examples: Folklore claims a horse with a long back will be a good jumper, but a shorter back is stronger for any sport.
