Ground work for improving topline?

[secuono]

Are there any ground work exercises or frames to get into before lunging to help build up a topline?

Big horse people said there were none other than riding. But mini people also sometimes need to work on their littles toplines as well, I'm sure you guys don't ride them! So, what's the secrete?

Thanks

 

[Reignmaker Miniatures]

Depends on the age of the horse really. First thing would be to check the protein content of the horse's diet. If there is an appropriate level of protein and the horse is wormed, up to date on dental etc. (don't underestimate the results of even one sharp tooth) then for exercise I would trot over ground poles and do some loping in the round pen. If it is a mature horse then jumping and driving can help assuming the horse uses itself well. If it throws itself over a jump all strung out and drives on the forehand it won't help much and could actually make things worse.

 

[FurstPlaceMiniatures]

Lunge them and put a bitting rig on him with a low head set to teach collection. The truck is to get him really working Ground poles, cavalettis, and gymnastics while promoting collection and proper self carriage (aka not chasing around a ring loose at 4 million miles per hour) will all help a top line.