What is 'topline'?

[BentleyBelly]

I keep hearing the phrase 'lacking topline' but I'm not really sure what it means? Can someone explain or show me in pics what 'topline' is please?

 

[Chellebean]

I would describe it as the muscle along the top of the horse from its butt to its head! It's not a very good description tho lol someone will defo tell you more

Ollie in this pic has no topline! I hope this helps

 

[BentleyBelly]

Thanks, I thought it was to do with the shape and muscle tone along the horses back and neck but I read on a bag of feed earlier that it 'benefited horses lacking topline'. I always thought it was the type of work that helped not the feed so got a bit confused thinking it meant something it didn't!

 

[MissSBird]

There are two types of topline really. There is fat topline, which isn't really proper topline at all - rather fatty crests and apple bums that give a vague allusion of the shape of a horse that has topline.

Real topline is what you see in top level horses - the strong curving neck muscle and rounded hind quarter muscle. It also refers to the muscles under the saddle area, though these arn't as instantly visable in photographs.

The type of work is the main factor to topline - the feed you have seen is probably high in the feed stuffs that help muscle development, which in turn helps the topline (as long as combined with correct work).

 

[BentleyBelly]

Ah that makes sense, thanks. I think my Bentley has the fat version, bless him!

 

[Stinkbomb]

feed can help topline but it has to be in conjunction with a correct exercise plan.

This is Inky at the start of the season after a winter off, no exercise and no feed just grass and no topline, then the second photo a few weeks later after reduced grazing, correct feeding and start of some exercise... then a few months later after everything comes together..... with topline!!..

 

[Firehorse]

omg inky is so gorgeous i could eat him!!!

 

[BentleyBelly]

Wow, Inky is amazing! How do you exercise him to get him looking that good when you can't ride?

 

[Stinkbomb]

Lunging and walking in hand!!

 

[Achinghips]

Interesting thread. Anyone got any ideas for developing topline in a horse with hock arthritis who finds it hard to work from behind?