28/09/2025
To strengthen the longissimus dorsi in a horse (Topline)
☆ Ridden Exercises
• Hill Work: Riding up and down hills, at a slow trot or walk, strengthens the hindquarters, back, and abdominal muscles.
• Long and Low Riding: Encourage your horse to stretch their nose forward and down, seeking the bit with loose contact. This stretches the muscles of the topline and engages the abdomen to support the spine.
• Backing Up: Practice backing up, ensuring the horse is gaining the benefits of the movement for their topline.
☆ Groundwork Exercises
• Ground Poles: Walking or trotting over poles increases activity in the longissimus dorsi and abdominal muscles.
• Long and Lining: Use lunging and long-lining to develop core strength and lift the back.
• Carrot Stretches: Perform dynamic mobilization stretches, like the "carrot stretches," to strengthen the back and multifidus muscles.
☆ General Training and Management
• Nutrition: Provide a balanced, forage-first diet to support overall muscle health and nutrient absorption. Essential amino acids and other key nutrients are vital for muscle development.
• Consistency and Patience: Building a strong topline is a gradual process that requires consistent, progressive training and conditioning.
• Professional Guidance: Consult with a veterinarian or experienced equine professional to rule out any underlying back pain or muscle imbalances that could hinder progress.
• Core Strength: Focus on exercises that encourage the horse to lift its back and engage its abdominal muscles, which are crucial for supporting the topline.
