It is not muscle atrophy…

Understanding Soft Tissue Damage in Horses’ Backs: Beyond Muscle Atrophy

When evaluating changes in a horse’s back due to saddle fit, prolonged pressure, or injury, many riders and equestrians assume that muscle atrophy is the primary concern. However, recent research and biomechanical studies suggest that the real issue is often soft tissue remodeling rather than muscle atrophy. Understanding the difference is crucial for ensuring proper saddle fit, preventing pain, and maintaining a horse’s overall well-being.

Muscle Atrophy vs. Soft Tissue Remodeling

Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy refers to the loss or reduction of muscle mass due to disuse, nerve damage, or underlying health conditions. It involves the shrinking of muscle fibers, often making the affected area appear concave or sunken. This process typically occurs when there is a lack of proper stimulation or blood flow to the muscle, leading to a decrease in strength and function.

Soft Tissue Remodeling

Soft tissue remodeling, on the other hand, is a response to chronic pressure or mechanical stress. Instead of simply losing muscle, the body adapts by altering the composition of the tissue. Prolonged pressure from an ill-fitting saddle does not just reduce muscle size—it can cause fibrous connective tissue to replace functional muscle, reducing elasticity and leading to discomfort. This is a protective mechanism, but it often results in stiffness and pain rather than simple muscle loss.

The research article published in International Journal of Legal Medicine (2021) sheds light on how mechanical compression affects soft tissue. While this study focused on human cadavers, the findings are relevant to equine physiology. The study showed that sustained pressure leads to degenerative changes in soft tissues, particularly affecting the fascia and connective tissue layers. The impact of prolonged compression is not just loss of muscle bulk but also degradation of tissue integrity.

Similarly, the 2019 study from Jönköping University examined how mechanical loads impact biological tissues. The research highlights how soft tissue can undergo structural changes in response to long-term pressure, shifting from healthy, elastic muscle to stiffer, fibrotic tissue. In horses, this means that prolonged pressure from a poorly fitted saddle does not just cause temporary discomfort—it can lead to lasting changes in tissue composition, making movement more restricted and painful.

Why Soft Tissue Damage Causes Pain

1. Compression and Reduced Blood Flow
   Soft tissue damage occurs when pressure from the saddle restricts blood flow to the underlying tissues. Over time, this leads to ischemia (lack of oxygen) in the affected area, resulting in cellular damage and pain.

2. Inflammatory Response and Fibrosis
   When tissue is repeatedly compressed, the body initiates an inflammatory response. If this inflammation becomes chronic, the body replaces muscle tissue with fibrotic connective tissue, which is less flexible and more prone to discomfort.

3. Loss of Elasticity and Mobility
   Unlike healthy muscle, fibrotic tissue lacks the ability to stretch and contract effectively. This can lead to a restricted range of motion, making it harder for the horse to engage its back properly during movement.

4. Nerve Sensitivity and Pain Signaling
   Chronic compression can also impact nerve function. Prolonged pressure on soft tissue can lead to nerve irritation or damage, increasing sensitivity in the area. This is why some horses develop hypersensitivity along their backs, reacting strongly to pressure even when the saddle is removed.

5. Delayed Healing and Scar Tissue Formation
   Unlike muscle atrophy, which can sometimes be reversed with proper conditioning, soft tissue remodeling can leave behind lasting structural changes. Scar tissue is less functional than healthy muscle, meaning affected horses may continue experiencing discomfort even after saddle fit is corrected.

Implications for Saddle Fit and Equine Management

The blog post from Saddlery Solutions highlights common myths about muscle atrophy in horses' backs, emphasizing that what is often perceived as muscle loss is actually a shift in tissue composition. This aligns with the findings in both scientific studies—long-term pressure does not simply cause muscles to shrink but alters the soft tissue structure itself.

To prevent these changes, equestrians should focus on:

• Regular Saddle Fit Evaluations: Ensuring proper weight distribution prevents excessive pressure on any single area of the back.

• Monitoring for Early Signs of Soft Tissue Changes: Sensitivity, heat, or stiffness in the back can indicate early-stage remodeling.

• Incorporating Targeted Therapy: Massage, myofascial release, and chiropractic care can help restore mobility in affected areas.

• Providing Movement and Variation: Encouraging natural movement and varying the horse’s workload helps maintain healthy tissue elasticity.

Healthy vs Remodeled

While muscle atrophy is a well-known concern among riders, it is often mistaken for soft tissue remodeling caused by chronic pressure. The difference is important: atrophy can sometimes be reversed through exercise, while fibrotic changes in soft tissue are more difficult to undo. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of pressure-induced tissue changes can help riders make more informed decisions about saddle fit, training, and overall

horse care.

By addressing these issues early, equestrians can help their horses maintain both comfort and performance, ensuring a longer and healthier riding career.

Pressure pushing fat and muscle away.

Example of Bridging

Saddle putting too much pressure on the loin.