With Jenny Adamson, Equine Physiotherapist & Rehabilitation Specialist
Most horse owners care deeply about their horses and want to do the best for them. But there’s something many riders simply haven’t been taught - a horse’s back is not automatically strong enough for riding. And riding alone does not necessarily build the strength needed to carry a rider properly.
The weather has improved, and your horse is enjoying the longer days and fresh air. It feels like the perfect time to get moving again. But before you jump straight back into work, there’s a step most riders completely miss — and it can make all the difference to your horse’s strength, balance, and comfort this spring.
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.
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