" 'That' Broodmare Belly!! "

[grackyb123]

Iv recently repurchased a highland mare i owned 6 years ago (when i was 14..Yikess now that seems for ever ago) however during these past years she's bred 3 foals, and as a consequence has developed a slight brood mare belly, luckily as she is a highland and is already rather hefty its not too bad.. However slowly over the next year if possible i would like to start to tone it up, But im not too sure exactly how i should go about it, as iv never had this to deal with this before. She's extremely well schooled (however currently totally unfit) and i would like to get her back into as top show condition as possible as she is still only 12.. So any serious suggestions/tips would be much appreciated!! Thankyouuuu

 

[Silmarillion]

It's all about the topline - my mare was 10 when I bought her, perfectly experienced under saddle but I wouldn't be at all surprised if she's been used as a broodmare in the last and has had a number of foals. Everyone seems to think she's fat, but she actually has a large ribcage and a broodmare belly. When she's in soft condition it gets worse as she has no topline to hold her ribcage up, hence it just sagging and looking terrible... she looks even more horrific if she's in poor condition - ribby, hips sticking out, stick-thin neck, but STILL has a huge saggy belly!

Anyway, best thing for Maiden was lots of long and low, lots of hill-work, lots of fittening - anything to get those back muscles strong enough to lift her belly. Eventually she was almost flat along her "bottom line" (looking at her profile, from girth area to flank was flat and then up into flank, rather than hanging!)

The Pessoa also did wonders for her as it made her hold her belly up - little and often

Unfortunately I can't school her now due to injury, but she always looks better when in work as she loses what little topline she builds, very quickly.

Good luck - it's not easy, and don't let anyone tell you she's fat if you know it's only broodmare belly!!

 

[Umbongo]

Agree it's all about the topline. Many people said my mare was fat but actually she had a wide ribcage (arab) and 2 foals. Lots of long and low, up hills etc. My mare did look better however her belly still always looked slightly dropped no matter how fit she was and how good her topline was.

As your mare only has a slight broodmare belly, you may see a huge improvement.

 

[Janah]

My pony has a brood mare belly and he is a gelding!

I bought him at 10 years and he is now 19yrs old. I did a lot of dressage at one time and he did improve a bit. I've got used to people asking when is expecting a foal!! He is not fat just has a belly.

Jane

 

[Happy Hunter]

http://s795.photobucket.com/albums/yy236/yellow_u49/?action=view&current=Ladyjuly.jpg&newest=1

this was my Girl - 7yrs old 2009 - July. - 2 foals so far!

now:

http://www.ultimate-images.co.uk/cg...0-Camera 2;i=36;img=1003101-SOSR10-00941c.jpg

She had never been broken - so everything was slow - bit of lungeing - LOADS of long lineing - then hacks and slowly were learning to Jump and do that Stressage stuff (She much prefers a days Hunting!)

I think there was a thread similar previously - Basically - treat like anyother horse coming back into work - plenty of walking and then only trot after a while. It will come off - honestly!!!