​If you've ever wondered why you horse may be fine with the saddle one day and seem distressed the next you're not alone. Muscle pain happens just as easily for your horse as it does for you. But with so many muscles in the body how do you know whats causing the problem? And what can you do to help?

Lets start by taking a look at the Trapezius... and we're going to keep it simple, we're looking for understanding, not lots of big words.
What is the Trapezius Muscle?
The Trapezius is a large muscle that covers your horses wither and stops around half way up the neck. It is divided into two parts, and this area serves as the junction for a number of key muscle groups. 
For humans the same muscle is slightly different in both shape and anchor points, attaching to the base of our skull, and the last vertebra of our rib cage. 
Lets see them side by side.
What does the Trapezius do? (Horse)
Your horses uses the Trapezius muscle all the time - particularly when you are riding.

But its main purpose is to raise and move the scapula (shoulder blade):
  • The front half of the muscle (cervical) moves the shoulder forward.
  • While the back half (thoracic) will move the shoulder back.
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One muscle - many functions, and absolutely essential for correct propulsion!
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Are there signs / symptoms this muscle is distressed?
So what could pain in the Trapezius muscle look like? Often you'll notice something like this:
  • Sensitivity around the withers (remember this muscle covers the entire area)
  • Reaction when girth is tightened - when you pull that girth tight you are pulling the saddle down hard on this area, if it hurts they will react.
  • A choppy or shortened stride (particularly if your saddle is part of the problem)
  • Loss of power in the front legs (pain reduces propulsion)
  • Difficulty with picking up or changing leads
How does this muscle get sore?
Like any muscle it can be overused...or abused. A quick glance at the muscle shows you how easily it can be damaged when involved in any form of ridden activity. But what are the likely causes of pain?

  • Poorly fitted saddles
  • Heavy riders, or those that drop down in the saddle
  • Riders who bounce up and down in the saddle
  • Excessive rein pulling by the rider (often found in lesson and trekking horses)
  • Landing after a jump (particularly if the body cannot disperse the force of the landing)
  • Sudden changes in direction, quick starts and stops (often found in polo, race, gymkhana, and working horses)

While accidents and injury can be to blame - its a good idea to check your own riding and see if anything you might be doing could be making the problem worse. Particularly if it keeps coming back.
What does the Trapezius do? (Human)
Most people will look at the diagram above and immediately connect with this muscle. You use it all the time for a wide range of everyday activities.
​Activities like:
  • Moving the shoulderblade
  • Supporting and stabalising the arm
  • Extending you neck
  • Lifting/raising the collar bones (think of a shrug)
In use all day, every day - riders who spend most of their time behind a computer are the ones who risk the most strain to this muscle. Particularly if you are not correctly warmed up before riding.
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Are there signs / symptoms this muscle is distressed?
You obviously know if this muscle is bothering you - but what exactly is that pain doing to your body?
  • ​A tight trapezius will prevent your shoulders from sitting in their proper position (this is a huge concern for most people, and on the whole very few individuals have correct shoulder balance)
  • This then causes the shoulder and upper spine to be pushed forward excessively.
  • Over time this can lead towards an unnatural forward curvature of your spine. 
  • A tight trapezius will create upper back pain
  • A weak or constricted trapezius can lead to pain/discomfort that runs down the length of your spine, or up into the neck.
So, if you're looking to improve your ability as a rider - don't neglect the importance of Trapezius health.
What activities can cause pain in this muscle?
It almost goes without saying that one of the leading causes of pain in the trapzius is the use of computers and phones.
  • Holding a phone between your head with your shoulder is a leading cause of cramps and tension.
  • An improper workstation, with a keyboard that is too high or too low, leaves your shoulders unsupported and causes the trapezius to overexert itself.
  • Check your bra straps! Just like a poorly fitted, or overgirthed saddle with hurt your horses trapezius, your bra will do the same to you!
  • If you're a rider who holds tension through the neck and can't relax their shoulders you'll be the one who likely suffers from trapezius pain after a ride. 
  • If you carry your gear (particularly for any distance) be sure to spread the weight evenly. Overbalancing yourself with the weigh all on one side will overexert the trapezius.  
Trapezius concerns? Where to from here?
  • Get your saddle checked - ideally you'll have it done every 6-12 months (maximum).
  • Check how tight you are doing that girth up
  • Learn some basic techniques to help the pain, and maintain the muscle - I tend to recommend Linda Tellington-Jones TTouch, and others have suggested the Masterton Method as great methods you can learn to use yourself.
  • Arrange a bodywork session - obviously I recommend Contact C.A.R.E. but use whatever works best for your horse. Joint horse + rider treatments can see some amazing results, particularly if this pain is recurring.
Want to learn some techniques to help your horse? 
Consider adding these to your own library
​(affiliate links)