Because horses are asked to ride, jump, exercise, work, compete, stand in the stall for long periods of time, etc., their body is put under tremendous stress. This stress can lead to a condition referred to as «vertebral subluxation complex» (VCS).
When vertebrae become immovable through trauma, injury or degenerative wear and tear, the joints between them become jammed, often affecting the nerves that are in these congested areas. Because the nerves are the communication links from these joints to the brain and spinal cord, messages to the rest of the body become interrupted, leading to pain and loss of function
Signs that a horse has a VCS:
Pain and stiffness when moving or being touched
Reduced performance
Negative changes in behavior or attitude
Abnormal gait, shortened stride or lameness
Inability or difficulty in taking a lead
Bucking
Difficulty or inability to collect
Pinning ears or snapping when being cinched
Difficulty flexing at poll
Changes in posture
Resistance to being ridden
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