feed/excercises for top line?

[L&M]

I bought my cob last winter having had 6 mnths off in the field, and now back in work, am struggling to build up his topline.

His confimation does not help as has a slight ewe neck, but is capable of working in a consistent outline which disguises it in his ridden work. His topline from his wither back has certainly improved but his neck continues to look weak in comparison.

Can anyone recommend me some excercises, either ridden or on the lunge, that may help?

Also are there are any feeds out there that help build topline but do not put weight on?! He is prone to weight gain, so is only on a handful of nuts and chaff a day, but am wondering if he needs some nutritional support too.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Cuppatea]

blue chip

 

[Loika]

If he is a natural good doer then I would not feed for top line as you could end up with a differant problem at the end of the year and especially if it is really just his neck that is bothering you. After 6months off I would not be too concerned by this anyway. Really and truthfully the only way to correct the ewe neck is to work in your outline, schooling as much as you and he can manage and bear! He needs to be working through from behind, engaging etc etc and in a few months it will be sorted. Just remember that after 6months, the muscles that were doing all the work have diminished and you will have to do lots of stretching again to give them a chance to recover. Schooling is gymnastic so take your time after such a long break, don't expect him to be exactly where you left off.

Hope that helps you a bit, only you know your horse and can choose the right solution. Good Luck!

 

[ChesnutsRoasting]

Lots of long and low work at the beginning and end of a schooling session. Work on the longest rein contact (that is safe for you) and lots of leg. Don't restrict his head, allow him to work from behind. Also feed from the ground/haybar.