With Jenny Adamson, Equine Physiotherapist & Rehabilitation Specialist
Most riders think topline is about muscle. But posture comes first. Always. Because a horse cannot build correct muscle on top of incorrect posture — just like a person can’t build strength efficiently if they’re slouched, stiff, and collapsing through their core. And this is where so many horses get stuck.
Many horses are coming back into work after lighter schedules, time off, or reduced intensity. And every single year, I see the same pattern. Because most people were never actually taught how to rebuild a horse’s body correctly. Because bringing a horse back into work isn’t just about fitness. It’s about rebuilding strength, coordination, posture, and stability — in the right order.
Crookedness has been framed as a training flaw, a rider problem, or something that should disappear if you just ride straighter, add more leg, or school harder. But here’s the truth: crookedness is not a failure. It’s a natural starting point. And when we misunderstand it, we often end up creating tension, compensation, and long-term issues instead of strength and balance.
Straightness is one of the most talked-about goals in training…and one of the most misunderstood. Because most riders think straightness is something you create from the outside. But in reality? Straightness is something the horse can only offer when their body is capable of it.
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