Encouraging the horse to work long and low- on lunge and ridden?

[QueenDee_]

Had the back man out to look at my mare today as I haven't been happy with how shes been feeling and it results that from her 'hollowing' as her way of going shes causing tension along her back. (having saddle re-checked tomorrow)

I was told I need to re-teach her the correct way of going and encourage roundness over her back and to work her to puck up her tummy muscles and the best way to do this was to encourage her to work long and low first lunging and then through ridden work,

So I was wondering the best lunge and ridden exercises to do so, as her natural way of going is to hollow she finds it hard to stretch out over her back.

tea and toffee crisps for helpers

 

[ridefast]

Shoulder in is a good gymnasticising exercise, 3 track and 4 track, get her back end to strengthen, Get her stepping under properly with her hind legs, when doing in hand work you want to be able to see her inside hind landing almost directly underneath where you would be sitting if you were riding her, perhaps get her going over raised trotting poles. Look up straightness training by Marijke Jong

 

[Floxie]

Transitions, too

 

[scewal]

My old mare had a weak back, the vet advised me to work her in a chambon.

 

[bluewhippet]

My physio said the same to me about my gelding. He is an Arab and was very giraffe-like as a result of badly fitting saddle and also no schooling or work really.

I have used an equi ami, but quite loose, a couple of times a week and done a lot of hills, and then moved onto schooling - with poles most of the time and transitions and he is moving like a different horse. Sometimes a bit disconcerting having him stretching out and not having his neck right up in front of me.

 

[bluewhippet]

And quite a lot of carrot stretches too.

 

[CobsGalore]

Lunging in a pessoa or similar, long lining over poles and walking up and down hills, belly lifts and carrot stretches.