Rehabilitation on a horse’s back

Balance is the key – The Horses Back

These pictures are of a client’s horse which had poor balance, rushing and falling onto his forehand as well as his outside shoulder.
He was used to balancing on the reins and his overall muscle development (or lack of) needed some attention.
The pictures were taking 3 months apart.

The first picture was taken in the beginning of training:

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He had poor Topline condition and his balance was out, because he was front heavy.
His chest had dropped and the underline of his neck was overdeveloped.
You can see muscle wastage behind the withers and a dip in front of the withers
His back is hollow ,there is a bulge at the loins, his rump muscles are weak and his legs are under developed.
The overall picture is a long and ‘strung out’ horse.
We also can see a dull facial expression.

The second picture was taken three months later, after 3-4 times a week strengthening exercises, both in hand and under saddle:

These exercises teach him balance adjustments and improvements, to carry his weight more evenly on both hind legs while strengthening his core.

This work requires time, patience and coordination, so he can use his back, neck and legs more efficiently.

His facial expression now looks cheeky and alert. ?
His chest is lifted and the dip in front of the withers is starting to disappear.

The muscles going into the shoulder are starting to fill out, his back is starting to broaden and lift.




The bulge around the loins is less pronounced, his rump is also filling out and his legs have more muscle on them.


His overall posture has changed, he looks more ‘uphill’, his muscles are starting to look soft and round and less stringy and taut.

What always amazes me when you work on a horse’s balance, is how much their general well-being improves. They are brighter and become calmer.

Balance is the key to a healthy horse.

It takes time and patience to teach the horse core strength and stability, just as with any other gymnast.

The reward is a healthy horse that is happy to perform and shine.

Please read my other post on “Rehabilitation on a horses chest“

Please call me on 0408 882 730 to discuss individual options or contact me to discuss what I can do for your horse.