My Top Tips for managing Kissing Spines

I thought it would be helpful to others to share what products, exercises, management and therapies etc have worked well for my horse since his Kissing Spines Diagnosis and surgery.
You will need to discuss the best course of action with your vet and taylor your rehab and management to suit your horse but here is rundown whats worked for us:

Therapies:

Hydrotherapy - Jack was able to get the very best start to his rehabilitation by spending a month at a specialist rehabilitation centre with an aqua treadmill which he went on everyday.  This was recommended by our fabulous surgeon.  Even better the rehab costs were cover by our insurance claim although I did have to cover the stabling costs.  Bennett equine were fantastic with Jack and he came back after a month of rehab there fit and ready to begin ridden rehab.  I didn't have to do weeks of endless lunging which is so wearing on a horses joints.  It is also where we met our fabulous physio tamsyn who has been wonderful, an endless source of knowledge and a highly skilled physio.

Physiotherapy - as mentioned above I use a highly qualified and reputable vet physiotherapist who was recommended by both my vet and the rehabilitation centre we used.  She started working with Jack while he was at the therapy centre and we were very lucky that she agreed to continue to treat Jack when he returned home as she is otherwise so busy she isn't able to take on new clients.  There is a huge difference in Jacks work after he's been treated by Tamsyn, he is always more supple, forward and altogether nicer to ride.  He often gets tight in his hamstring and si area which stops him being able to use himself properly and Tamsyn is able to release these muscles so he is comfortable and can work properly again.  I believe we wouldn't be where we are without Bennett's and Tamsyn's help.
Be wary when choosing a physio as they are not all the same, it is best to get one recommended by your vet.

Magnetic therapy - I use a equilibrium magnetic back pad and equine magnetix hock boots on Jack (he was diagnosed with hock arthritis at the same time as KS) and I find they work really well, if he has them on prior to exercise his back is warm and the muscles soft and he works lovely over his back in a soft and relaxed frame with lots of swing.  It is especially noticeable in the colder weather.  The hock boots also seem to make a real difference with Jack more forward and engaged behind when he's been wearing them.  If I ride him when he has not had the back pad and hock boots on I notice a real difference in Jacks ability to work softly forward and it takes me a lot longer to warm him up.

Feed and Supplements:

Feed - It is important that every horse receives a balanced diet suitable for their age, temperament, workload, management, type etc.  Condition scoring is also important as weight gain or loss will have an effect on your horses shape, muscles, energy levels and ability to perform.  Too much weight can lead to many health problems even in otherwise healthy animals and is to be avoided, in a horse with back problems it is only going to add to their discomfort as they have to carry more weight around.
I consulted a nutritional specialist at a leading feed company for advice on what to feed Jack when I was bringing him back into work following surgery and they provided samples for me to try and vouchers for money off my first bags.

Supplements - I try to avoid supplements as a general rule, I think most are full of fillers/sugars that most horses really don't need.  The companies that sell them do a very good job of convincing us that our horses need their products!  When I have used supplements in the past I've not been convinced of their effectiveness. 
The only thing I feed in addition to Jack's usual food is some turmeric, I have only recently begun to use this but have heard some amazing results using it so if it works it is a very cost effective supplement.  I will review it in a few weeks and write a post on the results.

Equipment:

Saddle Pads - I use a thin square saddle pad with high wither clearance under a professionally fitted saddle, I also use a faux lambs wool half pad under the saddle which was checked by my saddle fitter to make sure it didn't affect the fit of the saddle.  Whatever saddle pad/numnah you choose to use it is important that it is checked by a saddle fitter to ensure it is not effecting the fit of your saddle and that your horse is comfy and not restricted.

Lunging aids - I lunge at least once a week in a Pessoa type lunging aid set up on the lowest setting so Jack works in a low, open and relaxed frame over his back.  I often use poles to engage his core further.

Exercises:

Pole work - I love doing pole work whether ground poles, raised poles or little grids.  They get a horses core working so well, keep lunging and flat work more interesting and get Jack thinking quicker about what he is doing with his feet!  I never use the same exercise twice in a row and enjoy thinking up new exercises to try out.  I hardly ever school without poles these days as they really help Jack use himself and without them he gets bored and switches off in the ménage.  Here are a few exercises we use on a regular basis:

Carrot stretches - I do carrot stretches with Jack everyday whether he is ridden or not.  Not always with carrots, I use apple's, lickit mini licks or horse treats to stop him getting bored.  Standing Jack up square I will do 3 stretches each side, the first to his elbow then to half way down his barrel and finally behind each knee holding each for 5seconds. Then we do between his fetlocks, between his knees and to his chest.

Hill work and hacking - I get out of the arena as much as possible and even in the Winter try to never school 2 days in a row.  Jack really still disliked the ménage when he first started ridden rehab so we just did lots of long slow hacks building up a little at a time.  He worked much better this way and it is easily the best way of getting a horse fit.  As he became fitter we introduced trot and then canter work on hacks first before asking him to trot and canter in the arena.  I try to vary the terrain and ground so all his bones, tendons and ligaments become strong.  Hill work was also introduced gradually to build fitness. 

Management - regular turn out is really important for both body and mind, the gentle exercise helps loosen their muscles and grazing with the head down stretches their back.  Jack is turned out daily, in the summer he is out at night and in the winter he is turned out during the day.  When the grass is at its richest in the spring and Autumn I often muzzle him when he is out to restrict his grass in take as he puts on weight very easily.
I feed from the ground in buckets too.

Time - My biggest tip is to take your time and listen to your horse.  Rehabbing successfully from Kissing Spines is a marathon not a sprint!  One size certainly does not fit all and it is very common to have problems along the way, there is no harm in taking a step back and doing more walking, hacking, lunging etc if your horse is still not happy going faster.  A 12 week fittening program is a good guide but don't be disheartened if it takes 16, 24, 38 weeks or even longer.  As long as you and your horse are happy!