sonjafoers
Well-Known Member
My 7 yr old 7/8ths TB is lacking muscle bulk and I really don't know what to do so am looking for help please.
I have been riding for years but as I'm slowly learning I haven't actually been RIDING, I've just been sort of sitting there and I am now starting to get very worried about my lack of knowledge.
I have 2 horses but the other is a cob x hackney and she is a completely different shape to my TB so the problem is not as noticeable on her.
To keep it brief the TB is not lacking condition but lacking muscle/topline. I've posted on this before but have had the back lady out today for a routine check up and she has told me my horse lacks 'muscle bulk' but not condition.
I have regular riding lessons on her and I know my instructor despairs sometimes because quite clearly I'm not riding her forward enough - however I don't think I know how to! I've spent years hacking, hunting and doing hunter trials but my flat work is seriously lacking.
My instructor has given me some pole exercises to do with her to improve the canter for SJ, but I don't have access to a school and I'm not allowed to lunge at my yard. I do have access to a flat grassy area which is roughly school size so when it's not too wet I can use that. Otherwise all work has to be done out hacking.
I do hill work with her and I incorporate transitions. I'm now bringing in the pole work and my instructor will help me with this but the osteopath told me today that I'm not riding her forward and making her work enough. She told me not to worry about the contact but use my seat and legs and really work her.
I thought I was doing this, I really did, but I'm now in a bit of a pickle with it all and also a bit worried about the fact my horse is lacking in muscle and topline and I don't know how to fix it.
Can somebody please explain in simple terms what I should be aiming for and how I can get her to work forward.
Thank you
I have been riding for years but as I'm slowly learning I haven't actually been RIDING, I've just been sort of sitting there and I am now starting to get very worried about my lack of knowledge.
I have 2 horses but the other is a cob x hackney and she is a completely different shape to my TB so the problem is not as noticeable on her.
To keep it brief the TB is not lacking condition but lacking muscle/topline. I've posted on this before but have had the back lady out today for a routine check up and she has told me my horse lacks 'muscle bulk' but not condition.
I have regular riding lessons on her and I know my instructor despairs sometimes because quite clearly I'm not riding her forward enough - however I don't think I know how to! I've spent years hacking, hunting and doing hunter trials but my flat work is seriously lacking.
My instructor has given me some pole exercises to do with her to improve the canter for SJ, but I don't have access to a school and I'm not allowed to lunge at my yard. I do have access to a flat grassy area which is roughly school size so when it's not too wet I can use that. Otherwise all work has to be done out hacking.
I do hill work with her and I incorporate transitions. I'm now bringing in the pole work and my instructor will help me with this but the osteopath told me today that I'm not riding her forward and making her work enough. She told me not to worry about the contact but use my seat and legs and really work her.
I thought I was doing this, I really did, but I'm now in a bit of a pickle with it all and also a bit worried about the fact my horse is lacking in muscle and topline and I don't know how to fix it.
Can somebody please explain in simple terms what I should be aiming for and how I can get her to work forward.
Thank you
