Exercises to build topline ??

kickandshout

kickandshout

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as the title says I'm looking for exercises to build topline.
my horse regularly competes dressage, showjumping ,hacks etc ridden 6 days a week so not 'unfit'
hes 16yr old warmblood who is showing signs of loosing his topline with some muscle wastage behind the wither ( saddle refitted etc).

I've made changes with feed etc to ensure hes getting all he needs so what next . . . . .
I've been told hill work but doing what exactly? do I walk,trot or canter on the bit or head on the floor ??
also been told lots of transitions but again on the bit or not.

currently trying to incorporate a bit of everything including carrot stretches so any ideas would be welcome.
thanks in advance.
 
Out hacking I like them to work up to the bridle but on a longish rein so they can stretch the frame and work over the back without any tension, well that is the theory if they are good out hacking, I would not have them with their noses on the floor as it is rarely safe enough to let them have such a long rein and they do need to be properly working even if they are stretching down that far not easy to achieve on a hack.
Raised polework is good to get them using their core which is what you are aiming for to get the topline built up, ensure he is really pushing from behind and active at all times more than worrying about where the head is, as long as he is not inclined to be a giraffe.

Tummy lifts as well as carrot stretches will also be helpful.
 
I second raised poles on the lunge.

Short story, I have a 14yr old eventer who had problems with his Sacroilliac, alongside treating that the vet has suggesting building up his topline by doing the following -
Lunging once / twice a week over raised poles.
Flatwork keeping him long and low through his body
Hill work, walking and trotting
Swimming, if you have a water treadmill nearby it's a really beneficial and fun experience for them
 
I seriously hope it is a waste of money, but I would be tempted to cushing test. If he is in enough work to be fit ish, being fed, is sound and has correct conformation, his topline should be reasonable. 16 is not old in terms of working horses these days, but it is old enough for cushings to be quietly making changes to his body.
 
I love using raised poles when loose schooling, along with hillwork - lots of trotting up hill, but also trotting downhill on shallower inclines.
 
AdorableAlice said:
I seriously hope it is a waste of money, but I would be tempted to cushing test. If he is in enough work to be fit ish, being fed, is sound and has correct conformation, his topline should be reasonable. 16 is not old in terms of working horses these days, but it is old enough for cushings to be quietly making changes to his body.
Click to expand...

This, and bear in mind that it is not unknown for false negatives, especially if the sample has not been kept and sent off correctly. Mine responded to a trial on Prascend after two low ACTH results, but presenting with laminitis and fat pads.
 
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