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Building muscle on our horses, especially if you are doing a competition discipline, is crucial for their performance and overall health. We aim to develop muscle on the top line, which includes the top part of their neck, back under the saddle, and through the loin and hind end area.
Just like us, there are two sides to building muscle: Training and Diet. This video will provide tips on how to achieve this, using my Grand Prix horse, Harvey, as an example.
Big thank you to my friends at Purina for sponsoring this video.
Importance of Nutrition
Nutrition is the foundation of muscle building. Harvey has been off for about three months due to surgery, and he lost a significant amount of muscle. To help him regain it, I rely on Purina® products. Harvey's feeding routine includes:
-Purina® Ultium® Gastric Care to support his digestive health and performance,
-Purina® SuperSport® an amino acid supplement crucial for muscle development and maintaining a strong topline,
-Additionally, I've recently added Purina®'s new Systemiq™ supplement, an innovative probiotic supports optimal digestive and immune function (crucial for horses recovering from surgery or illness).
Purina’s commitment to research and scientifically backed formulations ensures that my horses receive the best possible nutrition to support their training and recovery.
If your horse isn't getting the dietary requirements needed for the level and type of work they are doing, you will always struggle to build muscle.
Training Regimen
Walking: Start with at least 15 minutes of walking. This warms up the muscles and prepares them for more strenuous activities. Ensure your horse is walking out, swinging their back, and moving with purpose.
Serpentines: Walking serpentines improve lateral suppleness, bending your horse from poll to tail equally on both sides.
Transitions: Incorporate transitions, such as trot-walk-trot and trot-canter-trot, to build hind end muscle and develop the top line. Focus on smooth transitions where the horse is lifting through their back and you're doing as little as possible.
Key Tips
Slow, Controlled Movements: When your horse anticipates, slow down the rhythm by holding your core tight and pushing them slightly sideways. Doing things rushed often means the horse won't be correctly balanced or using the topline muscles (just like when we try to rush through our squats!).
Engagement: Use leg-yield and shoulder-in positioning ensures your horse engages the hind leg and hind end properly during transitions.
Building Up Fitness
In the beginning of bring a horse back into work, avoid lateral work and tight circles. Focus on longer lines, big circles, and lots of transitions. Gradually increase the intensity as your horse builds muscle and fitness. Always allow plenty of walk breaks to prevent fatigue and injury. Depending on where your horse is starting from, this can take a few weeks to a few months. Listen to your horse and what they can do.
Conclusion
Building muscle on your horse is a combination of proper nutrition and consistent, well-structured training. Remember, it's a gradual process that requires patience and dedication.
Again a big thank you to Purina for sponsoring this video and for their unwavering dedication to equine health and nutrition. Their scientifically researched products have made a significant difference in supporting my Harvey's recovery (PS- since filming this video, Harvey has gained even more muscle, I'm so excited for us to get back to doing the Grand Prix together).