March 5, 2026, 5:23 am | Read time: 4 minutes
At first, it seems inconspicuous: The horse moves with less vigor, its back appears slightly lowered, and its belly rounder. When standing, it may tilt slightly forward. Such changes creep in and are easily overlooked. Yet, this could be a warning sign. PETBOOK explains what lies behind carrying fatigue in horses.
Carrying Fatigue in Horses: What Does the Term Mean?
Carrying fatigue in horses initially sounds like a clear diagnosis. However, it is neither a disease nor an officially recognized veterinary term. The term was coined about 15 years ago by physical therapist and alternative practitioner Tanja Richter. It refers to a postural weakness where the so-called topline sags. The topline includes the back, loin area, and neck—areas crucial for carrying capacity and stability.1
Anatomically, the horse’s torso is suspended between the forehand and hindquarters. Unlike humans, there is no bony clavicle to provide additional stability. Instead, muscles, tendons, and ligaments support the weight of the ribcage and internal organs. Simply put, the torso hangs in a muscular sling between the limbs.
Another important point: In the rear part of the torso, the last ribs are not connected to the sternum. Here, the abdominal muscles primarily provide support for the internal organs. If the tension in these structures decreases, the ribcage can sink. As a result, the entire body’s statics change, and the finely tuned interplay of back, abdominal, and hindquarter muscles becomes unbalanced.
What Causes Underlie a Postural Weakness?
The causes of carrying fatigue in horses are varied. Usually, several factors interlock and reinforce each other. A key role is played by the horse’s build. Horses with longer backs are considered more susceptible than those with compact builds.
Additionally, the breeding development of modern sport horses plays a role. Large movements and a lot of shoulder freedom are often desired—in some cases, this results in horses having weaker connective tissue.2
Equally crucial are housing and training. Too little movement—such as predominantly stall housing or infrequent training—prevents adequate muscle development. At the same time, energy-rich feed can lead to overweight if there is a lack of exercise. If the tension is missing, the torso loses support. A poorly fitting saddle can also cause pressure, promote compensatory movements, and ultimately contribute to the sinking of the torso.
Symptoms: How to Recognize Carrying Exhaustion in Horses
Carrying exhaustion in horses usually develops gradually. Typical signs can include:
- lowered or soft-appearing topline
- visible sagging in the back or lower back area
- noticeably pronounced or “hanging” belly
- impression that the horse tilts forward onto its chest when standing
- forelegs positioned slightly behind the vertical when standing
- reduced willingness to perform
- duller or less lively movements
- increased resistance under the rider
- fatigue or reluctance
Those who look closely can also recognize a so-called compensatory posture. This means the horse compensates for weaknesses in one area by altering movement patterns in other body regions.
How Is Carrying Exhaustion in Horses Assessed?
Since carrying exhaustion in horses is not a recognized medical diagnosis, there is no standardized examination procedure. However, a veterinary examination is still advisable to rule out possible consequential damage or accompanying diseases.
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What Helps with Carrying Exhaustion in Horses?
The focus is on targeted stabilization of the horse’s body through muscle building. The goal is to promote the balance between abdominal and back muscles.
Cavaletti work—crossing low poles—can also activate the torso muscles. Additionally, groundwork, lunging, and handwork are included. Physiotherapeutic measures can provide support.
How to Prevent Carrying Exhaustion in Horses
Prevention begins with appropriate housing and sufficient movement. Horses are naturally animals of constant movement. Pure pasture housing without targeted work does not fully replace this continuous activity.
A varied training regimen on different surfaces, uphill and downhill tracks, and correctly executed dressage exercises can promote stability. Regular equipment checks by professionals are as important as critically reviewing one’s own riding position.
Short, targeted training sessions are often more effective than long sessions until fatigue. A solid understanding of the horse’s anatomy and movement processes helps recognize early warning signs and counteract them in time.