What Happens When You Skip Core Training? 5 Long-Term Risks Horse Owners Should Know

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over 13 years as an equine physio, it’s this:

Ignoring your horse’s core is like ignoring the foundation of your house.

It might look okay from the outside for a while, but underneath, strain and weakness are building. And eventually, that catches up.

Core strength isn’t just for dressage horses or elite athletes. It’s essential for every horse’s comfort, balance, and long-term soundness—from happy hackers to retired companions.

Yet so many horse owners don’t realise the long-term impact of skipping this one simple thing.

Let’s dive into the 5 most common risks I see when core strength is overlooked:

1. Increased Risk of Back Problems (Including Kissing Spine)

When the core is weak, the back can become hollow or tight, leading to strain on the spine. Over time, this can result in back pain, tension, and even serious conditions like kissing spine.

I know this one all too well. My own horse Azuro went through kissing spine surgery 7 years ago. That experience turned me from a physio into a true expert in core rehab because I lived it every single day. Azuro taught me what the owner experience really feels like—and how powerful these exercises can be in recovery and prevention.

2. Joint Strain and Compensation Injuries

A weak core means your horse will compensate elsewhere. That often looks like overloaded hocks, stiff stifles, sore shoulders, or a sore SI region. These compensations can lead to recurring injuries or chronic discomfort that affects performance and everyday wellbeing.

3. Poor Posture and Crookedness

Ever feel like your horse is falling in on one rein, always crooked, or struggles with transitions? Weak core muscles can lead to poor posture and asymmetrical movement, which makes training harder for both of you and can actually worsen imbalances over time.

4. Loss of Flexibility and Range of Motion

Without regular activation, the supporting muscles around the spine and pelvis get tight and underused. This limits your horse’s range of motion, making them stiff, restricted, and less able to move with ease and fluidity—whether in the school or out hacking.

5. Mental and Emotional Tension

Physical discomfort often shows up as stress, tension, and resistance. When horses feel tight or sore, they might act grumpy, hollow their back, rush, or become reluctant to work. A horse that feels good in their body is happier, more cooperative, and more connected with you.

But Here’s the Good News...

It only takes a few minutes a day to make a massive difference.

The core strengthening exercises I teach inside my Core Exercises for Your Horse Course are vet- and physio-approved, backed by science, and easy to fit into your daily routine.

I used these same exercises with Azuro through his full rehab journey—and I still use them today to keep him strong, supple and sound. These aren’t just for recovery, they’re for every horse who deserves to feel their best.

You’ll learn:

• How to activate your horse’s core properly

• Simple step-by-step routines (just 10 minutes a day!)

• Exactly what to do, even if you’re not confident

Ready to protect your horse from long-term issues and set them up for a sounder, stronger future?

Click here to get the Core Exercises Course for just £9 – Lifetime Access Included!

Your horse will thank you for it.

P.S. These are the same exercises I recommend for horses in any kind of rehab too – gentle, safe, effective support for building strength from the inside out.