Hollow Horse, struggling after pregnancy. Any advice?

[Flakey123]

Hi Everyone,

I have recently returned to riding after having a year off during my pregnancy.

I will admit my riding skills need work (and seemingly even more so after a c-section) and I am really struggling to get my TB to go in an outline. I am having lessons to try and improve but he has also had the year off pretty much so his fitness needs building too.

I have had his back checked, teeth done, new saddle fitted and we are still having massive problems. He falls in on the right rein quite a lot too.

Before my pregnancy he would go in an outline quite well although struggled to hold it for long.

I just wondered if anyone had any good tips to help us out? Any exercises I can do to improve my balance and core strength? or any exercises I can do with him whilst riding or lunging?

 

[Littlelegs]

If he's had a year off, he simply doesn't have the muscle to do so. Similar to if someone told you to do 200 sit ups or stomach crunches right now, you'd use your shoulders & neck because your stomach muscles aren't strong enough to do the work. And working in an outline is no different, especially as he couldn't do it for long before.

 

[Littlelegs]

Stupid phone. I'd suggest just hacking, building up slowly, & only working him long & low. Then when he is ready to start schooling, get an instructor to help you both refresh. And try & get your own core strength back. I've always had a strong core, & it was only when I rode post birth when at first I didn't have core strength, I realised just how important it was for my own riding, position & balance, & therefore the horses way of going.