[prairienights]

My horse lost some condition this summer, and he's just now starting to put on weight. His big problem now is absolutely no muscle definition. He's so pitiful looking, that I'm reluctant to make him work too hard undersaddle. I'll start walking him for a few minutes, but I just don't think it's fair to ask him to work hard yet. Also, since he is still trying to put on weight, I don't want to use too much of his energy doing work.

I was wondering if anybody had some specific exercises to start building muscle from the ground? I unfortunately don't have a roundpen, but we have plenty of hills to walk up and down and a large arena. He's turned out 24/7 in a huge pasture with other horses, so he moves around throughout the day.

Also, he has a good diet with plenty of protein. I recently had him looked over by the vet, so he's good to go.

Just to give you an idea of his condition, here's a photo of him He badly needs a topline and a butt, lol.

[JBandRio]

He's got enough weight that as long as you properly fit/pad his saddle, he can walk for 20 minutes a day. Make it correct walking - forward, energetic, working back to front, working into the contact.

[lbandrew]

Do lots of hill work. I personally think he'd be just fine trotting in small intervals on a lunge line, so try working him around a hill, if possible. Trotting builds muscle the quickest, of course. Also, under saddle, I'd set up some poles for him to walk over to help him encourage to use his back and help develop his top line.

Under saddle you should definitely be walking him for long periods of time. Walking will not tire him out, only build more muscle. He doesn't look too pitiful to me.

[MoonlightsWildPassion]

On the ground... Trotting a LOTS of it, rides up and down hills work, but trotting by far,plus it builds stamina

[prairienights]

Thanks guys

I took him on a 20min ride down the road, and he did great. He was excited, but obedient. Didn't show any sign of fatigue at all and hardly broke a sweat. So I'm not too worried about getting on him, I'll just take it really slow.

[daisykristy]

Keep us posted Prairienights! My boy needs to build muscle also.

Blessed be the Unicorn believers leader. Amen.

[Auzzie Honey]

Long lining .. much better than 'regular' lunging. You can ask for him to work into the contact, change rein, etc .. and allow him to find his own balance.