A stiff walk, that at its worse can immobilize the horse. Hard painful muscles in the rear. If the pain is severe enough sweating may occur. Horses that tie up usually have a recurring problem, associated with a specific set of circumstances. This problem occurred when horses, which were working all week, did not have their grain cut back while resting over the weekend.
Some horses tie up when they become excited, at a show, breeding, or traveling.
Other horses develop the problem when exercised. Occasionally you run into the horse that ties up for no reason you can detect. Moderate to severe cases are not hard to diagnose. The stiffness in the rear limbs and hard painful muscles are easily seen. But mild cases may present as decreased performance or a vague lameness originating in the back or hind end.