Engaging the hindquarters and keeping off the forehand

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Abbydeanna

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Hi,

I am just wondering whether I could have some tips on engaging a horses hind quarters and keeping her off the forehand? She has a habit of hollowing her back and I need to keep her engaged to prevent damage to her back.

Thanks in advance! :)
 
Transitions, transitions, transitions, riding her uphill (even in an arena) and some lateral work, especially on a circle. Also make sure she's not rushing and that your rhythm is consistent.
 
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As above lots and lots of transitions! In the paces too - on and back in trot and canter. I ride a horse who is very long and struggles to engage his back end.. he is also quite lazy! I find with him (obviously depends on the horse!) that just tickling him with a schooling whip in the transitions keeps him active behind particularly in the downwards trans.
 
As above, but also lots of half halts (don't be afraid of doing 8-10 per circle if needed) and teach a proper stretch (i.e stretches down on command when given the aids, not just giving with the reins and hoping) so you can select how long the neck is and how low the head is at walk and trot.
 
Thanks everyone! Will continue working on her transitions and will incorporate some lateral work. I am also lunging her at the moment in between rides.
 
I would say don't do too much too soon, she is probably very used to her way of going and may find it difficult to engage, her way of going may be partially your fault (worth considering and exploring) and you should perhaps consider what effort you are going to in order to make sure you are balanced and able to ride her in a way that enables her to engage and properly work over her back and into the contact. If you are under instruction and able to not obstruct her in any way then I would say take time to let the muscle build, pick her up and put her together so she works in a more uphill frame for a short time only and build it over several weeks or months, ask her to adjust her frame numerous times but in a way that will slowly help her develop. Using hillwork, polework, lots of hacking with transitions thrown in is always good, going round and round in circles on a weak horse isn't always a great idea.
Think about making sure her back is warm before you get on, use in hand stretches before you get on too, hope that helps x
 
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