Asymmetry (unevenness) in equine backs is, to a small extent, natural. Most equines are either right- or left-leaded, just as most people are either right or left handed. As an equine uses the "side" he prefers, he increases the strength on that side of his body.

Asymmetry is also caused by conformational defaults, by training, and by injury. Evaluating your equine for asymmetry will help you identify his natural tendencies in movement, tailor his training/conditioning regimen to create a more balanced way of going, and detect muscle atrophy (weakening) caused by pain and injury.

To evaluate your 3-D EQUImeasure model for asymmetry:

1) First make note of any conformational faults or injury history you can detect in your equine by simply looking at him. Have these problems caused changes to the way he moves at liberty (in pasture), on lunge line, or under saddle? Has he been checked by a vet for this/these problem(s)? Can you expect his condition to improve with healing and conditioning?

1) Set your EQUImeasure model on a firm and level surface, preferably at eye-level.

2) Stand at the front of the model (arrow graphic) and look at the shape of the arch over the withers. It should be even on both "sides" of the centerline. If not, your equine is using one shoulder more heavily than the other.

3) Now look down the centerline to the back of the model. Again, both "sides" of the model should show the same basic shape to the back. If not, your equine's back muscles are more developed on one side than the other.

4) Ask yourself the possible reasons for any asymmetry you see:

• Does your equine pace and/or circle in his stall/paddock?
• Do you always ride circles in one direction?
• Do you cue for the same lead with each takeoff?

If you answered "no" to these questions, injury may be a culprit for the asymmetry - schedule a visit by your veterinarian. Once you determine a cause for the imbalance, you can work together to develop a plan for correction.