How to work softer over the back??

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I have been doing dressage this year with my 5 yr old TB and although we have been gaining fairly good marks the majority of the comments have been ''needs to work over her back more'' ''needs to be softer along her back'' and requires more suppleness.
I have bought her on very slowly as she has not been the easiest and mentally and physically she has needed more time than others to mature. Although we have had the 'nice paces' comments she is not a natural 'mover' and can often get tense.

We are introducing more lateral work to help with the suppleness and I prefer the long an low way of going, aiming to get her relaxed and working along her back (evidently not enough) and I always ensure she has frequent treatments from a chiropracter and craniosacral treatments... does anyone have any advice or ideas that could help her work softer acoss her back etc!?

 

[Dressagebabe]

One of the main reasons for a horse to be tight over the back is because they are not balanced enough to carry themselves and a rider so they stiffen their back muscles to keep themself together enabling them to move along with a rider on top.

Have you tried lunging her in a Pessoa? they are brilliant for getting them to lift in the back whilst working light and supple in front. It was insisted to me by the Vet that diagnosed kissing spine on my Advanced Dressage horse to help keep him built up over his topline and help him work through his back, I have used it ever since and I have started using it on a stressy youngster that is very tight over his back, in 2 wks the difference has been superb. If you know someone that will lend one to you then it is worth lunging a minimum of 3 times a week for a little while. I have been lunging each morning for 20 mins then I ride him in the evening too now that he is established with the feel of the Pessoa (he has the weekend off). The other option is (as you have been doing) lots of lateral work, serpentines, spiraling circles and transitions, long & low is good but make sure she is still on the bit and not becoming heavy in your hand as she will just lean which will keep her back muscles stiff. Hope this helps a little