Understanding Horse Muscles: Atrophy, Strength, and Tension

A Guide to Assessing Equine Muscle Health and Addressing Common Issues

Horses are remarkable athletes, and their muscle health plays a crucial role in their performance, comfort, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a rider, owner, or equine enthusiast, understanding how to evaluate the state of a horse’s muscles can make a significant difference in how you care for them. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to distinguish between atrophied, healthy, and tight muscles, how to tell fat from muscle (especially in tricky spots like the neck), and what you can do to address each situation.

Before we dive in deeper, do take time to read up on the horse Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and how to train your eye for horse condition in general.

Healthy Horse Muscles: What Does “Good Muscle” Feel

Like?

A well-developed, healthy muscle should feel firm yet pliable—like a well-cooked steak, not rigid or rock-hard. When you run your hand over these areas, there’s a gentle springiness, and the underlying muscle feels full and even. Horses in regular work with good nutrition typically show balanced muscle development along the neck, back, hindquarters, and shoulders.

Feel	Firm, springy, and elastic, without lumps or excessive tightness.
Appearance	Smooth, rounded contours that transition seamlessly between muscle groups.
Common Causes	Balanced exercise, correct feeding, and overall health.

Visual representation of varying muscle states in horses: Ideal / Adequate

Recognising Atrophied Muscles

Muscle atrophy in horses refers to the wasting away or reduction in muscle mass. This can occur due to disuse, injury, neurological issues, extended time out of work, or underlying health problems. Atrophied muscles feel soft, often a bit squishy, and appear sunken or uneven compared to the surrounding tissue. There may be a noticeable dip or hollow where muscle should be, and the skin may seem loose or wrinkled in severe cases.

Feel	Atrophied muscles are typically soft, lacking tone and firmness.
Appearance	Look for asymmetry, hollows, or dips, especially along the topline, rump, or shoulders.
Common Causes	Prolonged (stabled) rest, nerve damage, poor saddle fit, or chronic lameness.

Visual representation of varying muscle states in horses: Atrophy

Tight Muscles: Signs and Sensations

Tight muscles are often a result of overuse, insufficient warm-up/cool-down, poor saddle fit, insufficient quality training, or underlying discomfort. These muscles feel hard or ropey under your hand and may show less flexibility when the horse moves. You might notice sensitivity or flinching when touching these areas, and the horse may struggle with certain movements.

Feel	Hard, tense, and sometimes “band-like” or knotty; may resist pressure or manipulation.
Appearance	The muscle may bulge unnaturally, or the horse may show signs of discomfort.
Common Causes	Overtraining, muscle strain, poor posture, or lack of stretching.

Fat vs. Tight Muscle: Is That Neck “Cresty” or Tense?

A common challenge is distinguishing between fat and muscle, particularly on the horse’s neck. A “cresty” neck is often due to fat deposits, especially in breeds prone to metabolic issues. Cresty fat feels soft, squishy, and moves under your fingers. In contrast, a neck comprised of tight muscle will feel hard, tense, and resist movement.

• Fat: Soft, wobbling, and can be pinched or “rolled” between fingers.

• Tight Muscle: Firm, immovable, and may cause discomfort when pressed.

If you’re unsure, gently pinch the crest—if it’s fat, you’ll be able to lift and roll the skin; if it’s muscle, it’ll stay firm and resist manipulation. Also, observe the horse’s overall condition: a cresty neck in a horse with fat pads elsewhere may signal metabolic concerns.

There can also be situations where the horse has a cresty and tight muscled neck!

The image on the left displays a "cresty" or thick neck, noticeable by the bubbly appearance just beneath the mane. In contrast, the image on the right depicts tight neck muscles and muscle atrophy.

Other Muscular Differences: Spasm, Injury, and Asymmetry

Beyond the basics, be on the lookout for muscle spasms (which feel like twitching or jumping under your hand), injuries (heat, swelling, or tenderness), or uneven development (one side more built than the other). Each points to different underlying issues—from nerve damage to chronic pain—and warrants veterinary attention if persistent.

Addressing Muscular States: What Can You Do?

• Atrophied Muscles: Gradually increase exercise, ensuring saddle fit and nutrition are appropriate. Consult a vet or physiotherapist for tailored rehab plans.

• Healthy Muscles: Maintain with balanced work, good nutrition, and regular massage/stretching.

• Tight Muscles: Incorporate gentle stretching, massage, warm-up, and cool-down routines. Check tack fit and work with an equine bodyworker if needed.

  • If you are in the Canberra region, check out the bodyworkers, chiropractors or physiotherapist services available here.

• Fat Deposits: Review diet, manage weight, and monitor for metabolic issues. Regular exercise and vet check-ups are key.

• Injury or Spasm: Rest, ice, and veterinary attention as required. Avoid working the horse until cleared by a professional.

  • If you are in the Canberra region, check out the veterinarian services available here.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between atrophied, healthy, and tight muscles—and being able to distinguish muscle from fat—is an essential skill for any horse owner. By regularly assessing your horse’s muscle condition and responding appropriately, you ensure their comfort, performance, and longevity. If in doubt, consult your vet or an equine therapist to develop the best plan for your horse’s specific needs. After all, a healthy horse is a happy horse—ready to hit the paddock, arena, or trails with you!