How to build up muscle on left side?

[horseluver4eva]

Had a back specialist to my horse today (only had him a few week) and we found that his left hind dips down more than the other. when checked over pelvis etc it was ok, although the rest of his back needed done. She has put the cause down due to probably only being raced on one rein which when looking back at previous races as he has not done that many is true. Therefore i now need to build up muscle to make both hinds equal. she told me to ensure to use my inside leg to get him working through himself on his left leg. Does anybody else know any other muscle building exercises? thanks

 

[horseluver4eva]

Any help please? Hes coming back in to work slowly on saturday

 

[ConnieLove]

Raised trot pole work - raise the pole all on the left side to get that back end working up and through

Physiotherapist gave me this exercise to do with my lad when had to work his right side up after a stifle injury.

 

[horseluver4eva]

Thank you thats a great idea! I will definetly have to give that a try

 

[ConnieLove]

No problem worked a treat for my lad. The change in 8 weeks was, quote from the physio, "a different pony".

 

[horseluver4eva]

Hope thats the same with my horsey how often did you do pole work?

 

[ConnieLove]

Everyday. Starting at 10min walking and working up to 20min walk/trot work over them.

 

[Bernster]

I was also thinking, maybe do more work on that rein if he's weaker on that side? Mine's a bit one sided, and so am I, and I tend to get bored working on that weaker side, so temptation is to do more work on the stronger side, if you know what I mean? Suspect the usual suspects like more transitions, lateral work, as well as pole work could do the trick. Wonder whether he's not stepping under and using himself properly through that hind? Assume no physical reason for one sided ness (gotta get that in, ofc, it's a HHO rule )

 

[Missmac]

Great suggestions above but just wanted to add my tuppence worth!

When doing in hand work lead him from the off side as well as the nearside. This will help balance out one sidedness and he will bend slightly towards you, stretching out the left side of his body.

 

[ROMANY 1959]

When we got sasha we had similar problem cos being ex polo horse, they tend to only turn one way!!! So we have worked on her weak rein and after 6 wks she is much better . We did trot poles, spiralling circles, serpentine s and hacking with hills... She has now learnt to jump and she loves it!! Never thought you could teach a 14 yr old to jump!
It will come with time and steady work.

 

[horseluver4eva]

Thanks everyone going to have to give it all a try ill let you know how he gets on yep hes all checked over and good to go, even had his teeth done this morning...what a state