Strengthening Hind end

NiamhB

NiamhB

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My mare is a typical ID and needs to build up strength in her hind quarters so she can really step under herself.

Any ideas of some exercises we can do?

Flatwork only as I do dressage but would pop her over a cross pole if it's a good exercise

Thanks !
 
Do you have access to decent hills? Working up, and down hills in all paces, especially in walk is imo the best for strengthening the hind end.

Poles and raised poles will work the core and the muscles behind the saddle.
 
i had the same issue with one of mine who is built like a cart horse and it took about a year of solid hillwork, and stretchy circles over poles to get him built up. if you can find an arena with a slope in it to do your arenawork it makes a huge difference.
 
As others have said hill work is great.

In the school, work on transitions and lateral work - doesn't need to be leg yielding across the arena if she's not strong enough but spiralling in and out of circles with proper bend (through the body not just neck) should get her stepping under herself and strengthening.
 
Hill work or any kind of incline if you don't have hills nearby. I have to box up to find hills but there are a couple of lanes with bridges over the motorway near me so I walk and trot up and down those too.
I also do a lot of long reining over poles, flat and raised.

if you have a water treadmill near you that is also a fantastic way to improve strength, but like anything, must be built up steadily.
 
My horse has SI issues and the exercises my vet gives me to strengthen his hind end are trot poles regularly spaced then randomly spaced, raised trot poles, spirals in and out with a proper bend right way through his body. Lots of walking hacks with hill work, preferably up the hill.
 
Thanks all!

I actually live in an area where is hard to find any flat surface so we basically school on a slope at all times ! will try some trotting poles raised and spaced
 
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