Horses carry around two thirds of their weight on the forehand – so is the hind end really important? The hindquarters are the driving force for speed and propulsion. A horse makes substantial use of its hindquarters in dressage for collection work, showjumping and cross country and when sudden bursts of speed are necessary. This will be the case at varying times in many disciplines including:
Muscle Fibre Types
The horse’s body is made up of varying muscle fibre types. Between the three types, the properties vary and the amount of muscle fibres of a particular type can predispose a horse to be more likely to perform well in a particular sport.
The majority of muscle fibres in the hindquarters are type II muscle fibres. Consequently, although horses may compete in incredibly different disciplines, they can be trained over a variety of methods with the same result – an increase in the strength of these muscle fibres in the hindquarters.
Activities to Increase Hindquarter Strength
It may be necessary to have strength in the horse’s hindquarters for the acceleration required of a horse at the start of a sprinting race. This doesn’t mean that the only way to train the strength in these muscles is by repeatedly having the horse jump out of a starting gate. Hindquarter strength can be built up by:
- The use of gradients
- Collection work
- Rein back and lateral work
- Jumping
Utilising a Gradient to Work a Horse
Having the horse work up and down hills can be hugely beneficial in developing hind end muscle. The added bonus of work on an incline can be that the horse’s cardiovascular system is also given a decent workout, without having to stress the horse’s body in other ways – such as high speed workouts – that can also lead to tendon and joint injuries.
Working the horse at a reasonable pace uphill and then walking back down the hill is a process that can be repeated to allow the horse a chance to rest before being asked to complete the task again. In this way muscle fatigue may be reduced without having to ask less of the horse.
Collection work can also be utilised to encourage the horse to gather its hindquarters under the body and transfer more of the weight from the forehand to the hind end. It could even be possible down the track to ask the horse to collect whilst working on an incline or decline. How much is being asked of the horse should seriously be considered and compared with what work has already been achieved. It’s important to not ask too much, too quickly.
Directional Changes
A cutting horse will need substantial power in its hindquarters to assist with sudden changes of direction to keep up with stock. Making use of rein back and work that requires the horse to move laterally can assist in developing such muscles.
Jumping the Horse
The act of jumping also makes use of the horse’s hindquarters. Despite training a horse for a discipline that is carried out on the flat, incorporating some jumping can be beneficial for building up hindquarter strength as well as providing a different activity to keep the horse’s interest and willingness to work.
Whatever activity is carried out with the horse, training specificity should be considered. That is, what does the horse need to be capable of and how can it improve in this area? Just because a horse carries out one discipline doesn’t mean that another type of riding or variation in activities won’t be beneficial.
Source
- Equine Exercise Physiology, Marlin, D., and Nankervis, K. Blackwell Publishing 2002. ISBN 0 632 05552 9.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
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