How long to build up topline?

[EmmaB]

I'm trying to build up my horses topline (and put a little weight on at the same time), so looking for other peoples experiences!

Had anyone got any before and after pictures of their horses as they have built up muscle? And how long roughly did it take for you to notice a difference?

Thanks

 

[Pigeon]

It's an onging thing I think My horse looks good at the moment but he could always do with more muscle! There's just under three years between these photos, the first is March 2011, the second one is a couple of days ago.

 

[p87]

Here is my boy last year before I got him, and the bottom two photos were taken a couple of months ago. Not just topline you can see the difference in! I've been doing lots of long and low lungeing with him, hillwork when I can, and schooling him in a better, rounded outline.

I agree with pigeon, it's an on going thing, once you get a nice topline you have to keep working on it, you can't just stop what you've been doing

 

[Pigeon]

I think you can see a difference in only a few months if you're consistent

 

[night_mare]

How long it takes will vary from one horse to another - it will depend on how often and how long a horse is worked for, how well the horse actually works, etc but with regular and consistent work you could see some difference in a month or so.

 

[EmmaB]

Thanks everyone! I know it will be an ongoing process, but just wanted to see how long I would have to wait to see some sort of difference! The past 2 years he has lost all his topline, he came back from almost a year out of work (injury) then had more time off as I had no to time to ride, then moved yards and had lack of schooling (my fault!), plus he's almost 18! So now I have my work cut out!

He is fit but not muscled in all the right places. I'm doing longreining and lunging with 2 lines in a pessoa, longreining through the forest for all the hills (kills me haha) and ridden hillwork too. Also has had physio and saddle fitter out and will continue with the physio - she wants to come back for his next treatment in a few weeks and I'd like her to be able to see a bit of a difference!

I will also take some pics so I can compare, and hopefully he will improve like your photos!

 

[_GG_]

Fly when she came to me

Fly after 3 weeks of hill work in walk with a few short trots added in 3rd week

Fly after 12 weeks of hacking with hill work. No schooling yet

1 year later

18 months later

2yrs

She started working in the school after 4 months of hacking. Hacking is priceless IMHO for building strength. I see it as the building blocks for topline. Block one is overall strength gained through a steady introduction to work and building up the core muscles. Not allowing the horse to march uphill, but to walk correctly. Not on the bit, but slowly enough that it works them. Same with trot.

Next phase was in the school, with Fly that meant a lot of re-training as she hurdled for 5 years. Nothing special, just correct work to get her rounded through her back...regardless of what she did with her head.

She's been out of work all summer but to be honest, it hasn't gone. It is soft, but it is still there and she is looking very healthy. The only reason she hasn't lost it is 24/7 turn out with Molly, so a youngster to keep her moving. They have great fun together and she certainly keeps up with the acrobatics