Minor wounds to a horse's body, neck or back are often caused by other horses. They commonly occur in horses kept in a herd or in horses with access to each other across a fence.

The majority of these wounds are minor abrasions and heal with minimal care because they occur in heavily muscled areas with good blood supply and good drainage, and do not involve vital structures. Bites and occasionally kicks make up the majority of these wounds.

Horses occasionally sustain injuries to this area when they roll, run into, or fall onto sharp objects. Attacks by predators are VERY rarely seen in certain geographic areas, but almost always involve young or small horses.

Sometimes, skin conditions like bacterial or fungal infections can be confused with traumatic injury. Quarter horses of certain bloodlines may acquire mysterious wounds which actually are a result of the genetic disease HERDA.

The concern with wounds along the top-line is poor drainage, which can result in slow or difficult healing. Very deep wounds may involve bone or other important structures. Veterinary repair of some large body wounds can save months of healing time. Some wounds may result in the formation of abscesses, hematomas or seromas that may need to be treated by a vet.

Keep in mind that wounds over the rib cage and belly can penetrate into the underlying spaces such as the chest (thorax) and abdominal cavity. Wounds penetrating these cavities are life-threatening and must be managed differently.