Exercises to build up muscle

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samp

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My horse is generally muscling up great in her hidquarters and her back. However I am having problems getting any muscle in the area where the front of the saddle fits - it looks hollow to the rest of her.

So does any one know of any exercises that'll target these muscles and help to build them up?
 
i've always been told that trotting on each diagonal helps build up the muscles either side of the withers.
i think hill work is good for all over muscle.
i'd be interested to hear any more exercises!!
 
Also check that you are upright when turning.... if horse dropping shoulder and not supporting self, this will obviously not build up the muscle....

lots of walk and trot work long and low.....
 
Saddle is booked in to be checked as she has changed over the last month. I need exercises though to help me build them up. I am currently using my jumping saddle everytime as it has flair and fits better. I have a Wintec Dressage Pro and although you can adjust the saddle I am not happy with the overall fit. My horse resents being ridden in this, she is sensitive and soon lets you know.

I can only do hillwork at the weekends but I will try to do more as well as raised poles
 
If the saddle does not fit correctly, it doesn't matter what exercises you do - the muscle will not develop.

Thumper had poor muscle development when I bought him - largely due to poorly fitting tack. Only now after months of working in a well fitting saddle and plenty of physio is the muscle developing as it should under, in front of and behind the saddle, despite his top line and bum now looking wonderful.
 
I know that if the saddle doesn't fit then the muscles are unable to build up. However the saddler is booked and once I have had either my saddle adjusted or a new one I need exercises that'll help me to build this area up. I also realise that I will need my saddle re-checked again in around 6 weeks - 2 months. Thank you
 
Raised trotting poles with encouarge them to work though their backs, as will lenghthing and shorting their stride as it'll encouarge then to engage their backend more.
 
Lunge work can help, not a quick wizz but long and low work, poles, transisitons.
Obviously helps more if you use a gadget-side reins, bungee, pessoa-which ever you prefer.

Also Long reining and working from the ground helps too.
 
Try to get her really working over her back into a soft consistent contact, and a round outline. You could try working her long and low but still in a connection, then really up and together, with lots of flexion on each rein. Try to think of it as riding the base of her neck forwards and away from you, with your seat and legs.
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Dont know if that helps Samp!! Have fun!
 
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