Improving hind leg action ?

[lirago]

Hi I went for a lesson yesterday and all went well except it appears my girlie is alot weaker through one hind than the other now my instructor has given me some exercises to straighten her and hopefully make her use this hind more and she also suggested good old fashioned strapping on that hind but was just wondering if there is anything else I can do to help improve her action with that hind leg?

 

[Tiffany]

Worth trying a pessoa type training aid

 

[saddlesore]

Lunging over raised poles is an excellent way to strengthen the hind limbs. Its hard work though so dont overdo it!

 

[BobbyMondeo]

I agree lunging over poles is excellent but dont do too many to start with. And pessoa type aids are always good

 

[hoggedmane]

walk up hills out hacking and make her walk properly. My TB had a weak second thigh and my instructor advised this (as well as the raised trotting poles).

 

[annret]

You might want to get your back checked out by someone as if you're sitting twisted/strongly one-sided it will be very difficult to sort horsey out?

Alternatively, good advice above but bear in mind you can't strengthen one side by doing much more work on that rein - you should do equal amounts on each rein & really work on gaining power from the back end with hindlegs under you which I appreciate will be difficult if there's a weakness there.

 

[Nari]

I sometimes get this with Jim, especially if he's had some time off.

First of all I'd get her back & pelvis checked.

I find in hand work is really helpful to begin with. I walk backwards or sidewards so I can see what's happening & I carry a dressage stick so I can tap the hind leg if he isn't using it properly. As he gets stronger I'll add in turns & poles, then slow trot & then start riding. I find this works better for me than lunging or long-reining, but then said horse is a prize head case on the lunge & I way beyond my abilities to long-rein.

 

[lirago]

I have had her back and saddle checked as she was a little tight in this hind now she is moving alot better just not using off hind as much as nearside. I have a pessoa training aid but on the rein she is weaker on she tends to fall out so I have to lunge with two reins to keep her straight I find it a bit much to cope with all those lines ha ha, so I try to stick to ridden work with her thanks for the advice may try some of the pole work see if that encourages her to use it more