Any Tips For Building Up Back End?

dainewell

Active Member
Joined
17 February 2006
Messages
30
Location
Cheshire
Visit site
Hi all, firstly i hope i am posting this in the correct place!
I have a Sec D whos is all front end, big neck and chest however is very engaged behind and has a very active hind leg! But just doesnt seem to naturally have as much muscle behind..he is on no hard feed due to being a good doer so what exercise would be best to help build his general back end area and second thighs up? Also i live in a very flat area so hill work isnt an option! Is walking/fast work more beneficial? Maybe pole work?
Any advice appreciated :)
 
Pole work - raised poles! Poles on a circle/bend, leg yielding across the school to meet another pole on a straight line, anything which will make them really activate their hind leg.
Lateral work
Transitions (aim for 200 every ride!)
Lungeing (with poles too!)
Whenever you can find a hill or slope, transitions up it making sure they're using their backend and not just 'pulling' themselves up and also rein back UP it! So walk down the slope, halt, and ask for rein back going up against the hill. Works well on a gentle gradient and makes them really use themselves.
Some people also say strapping or banging can improve muscle tone, though haven't done it enough myself to fully judge :)
 
Pole work - raised poles! Poles on a circle/bend, leg yielding across the school to meet another pole on a straight line, anything which will make them really activate their hind leg.
Lateral work
Transitions (aim for 200 every ride!)
Lungeing (with poles too!)
Whenever you can find a hill or slope, transitions up it making sure they're using their backend and not just 'pulling' themselves up and also rein back UP it! So walk down the slope, halt, and ask for rein back going up against the hill. Works well on a gentle gradient and makes them really use themselves.
Some people also say strapping or banging can improve muscle tone, though haven't done it enough myself to fully judge :)

As above, but even more transitions and then some more - both direct and indirect.
 
Top