advice with building muscle behind....

[Vicki1986]

my mare is and always had been lacking somewhat behind, alot of this is to do with the fact she hasnt worked correctly since i got her something i am working hard to correct and its coming very slowly indeed, she is very on the forehand and if she is allowed will just tank along with all the power from the front - as you can see she is also slightly bum high (she is 13 so not going to grow into it!!) any exercises tips help etc really appreciated.

 

[AmyMay]

She looks like she has a cracking ar*e to me.

 

[Vicki1986]

thanks amymay. her front and back ends just dont seem to match ?! i need to get her back half to catch up to the front somehow. i need a photo from the front and one from the back i think it shows it better.

 

[HDT]

Looking at the photo and it could just be the angle of the photo but your pony looks to be very hollow which looks to be because the saddle is pressing down on her back.

Also work to help build up top line will help to level her.

Exercises to help with engaing the Q's

1) Hillwork
2) Pole work (on the ground and cavaletti's)
3) Schooling with plenty of transisitions and movements to encourage the Q's to come under. Leg yielding etc helps the inner muscles to develop as well and supple up
4) Lunging or long lining so you can see from the gorund how she uses herself. Thus putting you in a position to help her correct any thing that you see.
5) Have someone with a good eye and knoweldge watch you ride and see how you are influencing your horse.
6) Hydrotherapy is also good.

Cheers

 

[Vicki1986]

she is very hollow thats right - its coming slowly and when she is concenrtrating she is working nicely through her back.hillwork i do a lot of but polework is something i hardly do thanks i will work on that definately.

 

[Amazona]

HDT has alot of good advise that i can totaly agree with but be careful.
If you are saying that your mare goes hollow and is not engaging she will put even more strain on the front legs.
Try concentrating on a bit more flatwork for a while if she trys to to hollow and power forward circle sit back and deep and use the inside leg to encourage her to step away from the inside leg and slow down. this will engage the hindquarters. and subtly teach her to give the energy in the hinquaters rather than pulling on the front. in itself this exercise will build up the hindquarters.
hope it helps