When we think about our equine partners and common problems we face in regard to training challenges and lameness issues, you know the kind…mysterious, ghost like, and bouncing around the body showing up in the front one day and in the hind another day, we tend to look at the legs, hooves, saddle fit, or diet. The hell with it, let’s just inject it all and see if it gets better! I’ve been there. Does that ever get to the root of the problem? Some would argue that it does and others would say there has to be a better way. I’ll leave the injecting up to the vets, but in my line of work, I like to think there is an alternative. At least in helping that horse become a more balanced version of himself so that work is easier and he doesn’t compensate for an unrecognized misalignment.
Where is this mysterious first rib? Looking at Holistic Horseworks photo above, it’s located just behind the shoulder, tucked under the scapula, and connects to the first thoracic vertebra. Remember, horses don’t have a collar bone. It’s not directly visible or easily palpable. It forms part of the thoracic inlet and supports several important structures, including major nerves, blood vessels, and muscles related to the neck, chest, and forelimbs. Because of its location and the muscular forces acting upon it, the first rib can become misaligned or “stuck” due to trauma, poor saddle fit, unbalanced riding, pulling a front shoe with the hind, stepping into a gopher hole, or leaning on a fence, overextending the neck and everything it’s connected to. We are seeing first rib misalignment in foals as young as 3 months old. A silly tumble in a field can misalign that first rib and lead to a cascade of compensation throughout the body. It’s truly phenomenal how willing a horse is for their partner even with body imbalances.
Now we know where it is and how easily it is to go out of alignment, but how do we know it’s out of alignment? It’s not palpable or visible…so then what? Well, it’s quite easy. Look at your horses’ hooves. Is one higher than the other? The higher hoof side is commonly the first rib that is out of alignment. Is the neck muscle more developed on one side, especially the rhomboid and trapezius? Does he tilt his neck/head? Is it harder for him to pick up a specific lead, making a flying change difficult? A “stuck” first rib casts its shadow in many ways. It can lead to a tipping up of the ilium. ( Ever had a horse try and sit on everything?) That is why. This, in turn leads to spasms in the psoas muscle in the back, which triggers conditions, like “hunters bump” “kissing spine” and “roach back”. Another way to determine if it’s misaligned is an acupressure point, Gallbladder 21. This lies at the intersection of the midline of the shoulder and neck. A little wiggle of the finger there will trigger a spasm in the lower chest, or the horse may “move away” from that slight pressure.
The scapula glides over the rib cage during movement. A misaligned first rib disrupts this motion, leading to shoulder tightness and a shortened stride. This compensation affects the diagonal hind limb, making that leg work harder. If both front first ribs are out of alignment, then both hind legs work harder, putting unnecessary strain on the SI and every joint and tendons down the hind legs. Since the horse avoids loading the affected side, it shifts weight unevenly, placing undue stress on the opposite side of the thoracic spine. Over time, this will contribute to soreness in the back, asymmetrical muscle development, and even kissing spines in severe cases. Then we try to fit a hard straight treed saddle to an asymmetrical horse.
The good news is that a misaligned first rib is easily treatable with the help of an experienced bodyworker, osteopath, or chiropractor. Once the rib is released and the alignment is restored, horses frequently show immediate improvement in movement and attitude. If they’ve been going with a “stuck” first rib for a long time, it will take more time and more visits from your professional, but noticing the subtle details in your horse will help you to stay on top of it. Over time that “high heel” on the “stuck” rib side will level out. Your farrier will notice how they load their hooves differently. The horse will hold their alignment longer and longer. With much relief to them! Learn to stretch your horse before you ride to keep their body more flexible and balanced.
The first rib may be small, but its impact is mighty. Ignoring its role in your horse’s movement and performance could mean missing the true source of behavioral or biomechanical issues. Noticing the subtle signs and working with a knowledgeable equine professional, you can help your horse move more freely, comfortably, and confidently. I am sharing a video on how to check your own first rib. Enjoy!
