My horse has been in training for the past four months and has improved drastically in the past few weeks with a more consistent schedule (yay spring!). She still has a “sewing needle” trot early on in a ride, but will stretch out, accept contact, and relax later. I am, however, always looking for ways to make things easier and more comfortable for her, and I don’t think she has all of the muscle that she should. I’m also trying to lose weight (tack and I are not 20% of her weight but I’d like to be 15% or under).
Her vet has told me that her SI damage is extremely minimal for an 8-year-old OTTB, and she does not have a “hunter’s bump” or any sensitivity to palpation in that area. She did have a spot of back pain that was injected and has not seemed to bother her since acquisition of a new saddle. My biggest concern is her right stifle. Her left is obviously stronger, and while she does move soundly in both directions, she is far less balanced when going to the right.
Vet, barn owner, and trainer all agree that this looks like a simple weakness and insufficient muscle around the joint, and it does not present like an injury. All three suggested hill and pole work to strengthen the muscles and stabilize the joint.
I am wondering if anyone has suggestions for how to do these things for maximum benefit to the horse. Lunge over poles? Ride? Hills how many times a week? How long should I do these exercises for?
