Kissing spine in horses is not directly caused by heavy riders. Kissing spine, also known as dorsal spinous process impingement, is a condition where the spinous processes of the vertebrae in a horse's back make contact with each other, causing pain and discomfort. This can be caused by various factors such as conformational issues, poor saddle fit, improper training techniques, or overwork. While excessive weight or inappropriate riding equipment can exacerbate the condition, it is not the sole cause of kissing spine in horses. It is important for horse owners to work with a veterinarian and equine professional to properly diagnose and address the underlying issues contributing to a horse's kissing spine.
