What does it mean when a horse humps up?

Answer by  MrsShannonHarrell (768)

Generally it means your horse is going to buck if you are mounted. Can be sign of abdominal pain, or constipation.

Answer by  MrsShannonHarrell (768)

Your horse is showing a response to pain, irritation, poor saddle fit, reluctance to move from pain in legs or feet, or the horse is "sour", meaning he is not "happy" about the request you are making- OR he does not understand your request.

Answer by  oldmom (716)

Sometimes they do this when they are cold, but sometimes is an indication of pain or intestinal upset. It should be considered as an indication of something wrong. As horses are unable to vomit, whatever they eat must come out as manure. If the horse has overeaten, he may have colic. Walk him around and see if that relieves it.

Answer by  HorseKeeper (25)

A horse that "humps up" has a rounded back, and is usually uncomfortable or agitated and might be thinking about bucking or crow-hoping. Cinching a horse too tight can get this response as well. Some horses react this was during the first few saddles when they are new to saddling.

Answer by  Roland27 (16334)

Horses often do this if you spray water on their rumps or use the take their temperature from the anus. It's often a sign of slight discomfort. You are not hurting your horse at all. The horse just isn't used to having something there. The horse should return to normal after the irritant is gone.

Answer by  MrsShannonHarrell (768)

Horse is showing you discomfort- back pain, poor saddle fit, muscle soreness are causes for the humped action. Biting flies creating raw spots will also cause pain. Add in a poorly fitting saddle, and your horse will be quite uncomfortable. Additional signs to look for: pinned ears, rapidly swishing tail OR pinned tail, and shaking of the head.

Answer by  TinaMorrison (84)

I have never heared of a horse the humps but maybe rears up and all that is when they get spooked or you are pulling to hard on the reigns.