Topline?

[zan.hannah]

I am not sure if I should put this under a different forum, I looked but wasn’t sure where to post it. If I should place it elsewhere, let me know and I will delete the post and repost elsewhere! Thanks.

I was wondering how my horse’s topline looks and if it needs some improvement? He is 11 years old, I think I should work on it a little but wanted some other people’s opinions. Thanks!! (I attached a picture below)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1BKdofMzCChRVpmVmt4UnBmdDA/view?usp=sharing

(Also, I am aware he has a bit of a hay belly currently - we’re working on getting rid of that lol, and he isn’t cribbing or anything, he was sniffing a window)

What are some good exercises for improving their top line? He already rides with his head low/level with his body.
One more question - can riding bareback make their back drop? (I am not overweight, I am 5’2", 125lbs, and he is 14.3hh and was between 900-1000 back in August when I last checked, I believe)

[Huntin_Pony]

He looks rather soft overall, meaning that his musculature is not very developed from work. His topline doesn’t look particularly weak relative to the rest of him.

I like hill work in a low frame for building muscle and transitions, also in a longish frame.

Bareback riding should not harm his topline.

[zan.hannah]

Since like November or December he hasn’t really had any hard work, he’s been ridden every day but generally only at a walk. We’re working on building the muscle back up, last September he was jacked! lol

Okay, I will definitely start doing some of that with him. Thanks!!

Thanks so much - I am getting a new saddle soon because the one we have currently doesn’t fit him, the saddle’s shipping date keeps getting pushed back I ordered it back in early December. I have been trying to ride him bareback because I know the saddle can pinch his shoulders I got him last August and have been waiting for the money to get a saddle that fits better. Oversharing, but thanks again!! It is much appreciated.

[zan.hannah]

Since like November or December he hasn’t really had any hard work, he’s been ridden every day but generally only at a walk. We’re working on building the muscle back up, last September he was jacked! lol

Okay, I will definitely start doing some of that with him. Thanks!!

Thanks so much - I am getting a new saddle soon because the one we have currently doesn’t fit him, the saddle’s shipping date keeps getting pushed back I ordered it back in early December. I have been trying to ride him bareback because I know the saddle can pinch his shoulders I got him last August and have been waiting for the money to get a saddle that fits better. Oversharing, but thanks again!! It is much appreciated.

[Palm_Beach]

Super cute!!! His overall weight looks good, maybe a hair fluffy. As long as he is being riddin with an engaged hind end and a round back, his topline will improve. If he has his head up and his back hollow, he will get what I call “bracey” neck muscles and his back will tighten - not good. If you can do hill work, great. Lateral work at the walk and trot will also help as long as he is not resisting with his head up.