Usually, some trauma causes the fascial system to tighten as a protective mechanism. Trauma is a result of an acute (a tendon strain, fall, impact), chronic (musculoskeletal compensation for some time), or recurrent (repetitive injuries) episode. There are any numbers of contributing factors:

• Poor conditioning, when the horse is required to perform in a manner for which its muscle condition does not safely allow
• Incorrect saddle fit
• A locked pelvic girdle causing back, neck or shoulder soreness
• Poor training
• Unbalanced rider
• Unsafe footing (too deep, hard or slippery), etc.
• Accidents- slips, bangs, cuts, etc.