Help! Weak loins- strengthening/building exercises needed

[Dusty85]

Hi all, I have a a 16.1h TB who i event, but of late we've been having left rein canter issues. The left rein has always been weaker, but it got to the point not long ago where i was struggling to get him to take off on the correct canter lead on the left rein. On the right we get a beautiful balanced canter and the trot work is good on both reins. I asked my instructor to have a go (just incase I was being a nolly and it was me- but she also couldn't get it- he went as though to strike off with the front left leg, but didn't follow it up properly with his left hind.)

Anyway-- i decided to get the back lady out and have saddles checked just incase- both GP and dress saddles fine.

The back lady- she said that he was weak and under developed in his loin area- the area between the back of the saddle and croup, and he was fractionally more developed muscle wise on his right side than his left, this was the only thing she could find. No leg/hock issues, no other things that she could find that might be causing this problem. (im sure that would be enough!)

Anyway- how do i go about putting muscle there?! I am careful that i do equal amount of exercises and time on each rein. I do have a pessoa which i use 1-2x per week. I have also trying to work him 'long and low' but in a contact so that he stretches this area- i am finding this tricky though as he is less balanced on the left and therefore looses his balance easily when working on a longer rein.
I have also been doing raised pole work to again get him stretching, and asking for a left canter transition over a caveletti to help him.

Any ideas?! I do have an instructor who has been helping me but i dont want to cotninually do the same exercises as he'll get bored!

thanks in advance and sorry for the essay!

 

[BeckyD]

It sounds to me like you are doing the right things. Make sure the horse is working into the bridle and is supple in all directions whilst being ridden. Pessoa work (especially on long reins) is good, and work over raised poles. Take it gently - weak loins do seem to take a while to strengthen (based on my old horse's experience) and if you ask too much you can strain other parts of the body. I was advised to keep in a fairly light seat and off the back as much as possible - no sitting trot or trotting/cantering without stirrups for instance. I was also advised to avoid small circles or indeed much circling at all to start with. We also had monthly physio from chartered physiotherapist and did daily carrot stretches after exercise - 5 to left, 5 to right and 5 between front legs. My horse was extremely weak after PSD surgery and an SI problem, so may be an extreme case but still, I'm sure it was all good advice given to me.

Good luck - get someone to monitor him so they can see from time to time whether there is any improvement - it's hard when you see the horse every day to actually spot the improvement as it's so gradual.

 

[Karosel]

Backing up in hand is good for stretching out the hindquarter muscles as well as strengthening them. Make sure the horse stays straight and steps evenly. Start with 3 reps of 5 steps straight back. As your horse gains strength increase the number of steps.

As your horse gains strength you can back him on a curve of a circle on both directions. And backing him straight up a gentle slope will be an added challenge, once he is backing nicely on the flat.