Why Bother?

Understanding the benefits of core strength

In a horse, a strong and supple core is necessary to support the spine and reduce the wear and tear on joints. By improving core stability, you can help to improve your horse’s posture and reduce the risk of injury.

THE WEAK CORE

A horse with a weak core will tend to move with his back in extension (hollow), a high head and neck carriage, and little power from the hindlimbs. Even at a standstill, a horse with a weak core will stand with an incorrect posture, and some horses even look uncomfortable. If the core is weak, the horse compensates in movement by using the shoulders and neck for balance, steering and pulling himself along. This leaves the hindlimbs redundant, which will eventually lead to a decline in performance.

Standing and moving in this hollow and disconnected manner puts more strain on the fragile front legs of the horse, and usually leads to injury and wear-and-tear issues in the future. The spine is also under strain, and horses who are unable to round the back effectively are more prone to developing symptoms of kissing spine. This shortens the working life of these horses and can lead to serious long-term health conditions.

Ultimately, if a horse has a weak core, he will struggle at the higher levels of work and competition. Only once the core is strong will the horse be able to lift through his back and shoulders, laterally flex through his neck, and use his hindquarters for power. Teaching him to engage his core correctly therefore allows him to reach his full potential and reduces his risk of injury.

THE IMPACT OF A RIDER