Strengthening a horse's back and a one-sided rider...

[throughtheforest]

Hi,
I haven't had a physiotherapist or chiropractor out yet. I was wondering if there are some exercises I can do (other than leg yield and transitions, pole work and working long and low etc) that I can introduce to my boy who works very hollow. Even when "on the bit" he is trailing his hinds and not bringing them underneath properly.
Here's a bit of background; he was ill with laminitis until December last year, he started in-hand walking then eventually he started doing more work in the saddle. He is now long-reining, hacked out and is starting to do more schooling and get fitter. No pain-related, behavioural or soundness issues, I just want to strengthen his back.
Many thanks.

 

[pixie27]

Mine has no back muscles at the mo, and my instructor and physio have recommended doing lots of pole work, including raised poles, and plenty of hacking/hill work. Physio also said to lunge/long rein him a couple of times a week, just so he can work without my weight on his back (all 8 stone of me!). We've been doing lots of long and low, and lots of transitions to get his bum in gear. Haven't been doing loads in the school, mainly lots of straight work out hacking and on our canter track.

 

[Jenni_]

Long reining. I've been doing lots of this with my new horse - she's 7, evented and showjumped, but I want to give her all the tools to be fit, healthy and last for a long time - I have definitely noticed a difference over her top!

Been doing a little on the roads to try and harden her legs up a bit, but more in the field - up and down the gradient, diagonally, leg yielding moving the walk out, collecting it. Added benefit? I've lost half a stone too

 

[ycbm]

Hills. Nothing like a good hill to get a horse to drop his head and push and strengthen his back.

 

[throughtheforest]

Thanks guys, looks like the long-reining and more hill work will be more beneficial at the moment so I'll hold off more intensive schooling.