Muscle building...

[Stud]

Ok I know somethings I can do to help build up Dandy's muscles. But I have a few questions...

I have a really steap hill that I can walk him up and down. How many times should I do that in one ride, and also how many days a week should I do that?

Since trotting helps build Muscles, i thought about lunging him. How long and how often should I lunge, to help build muscles?

I've been working him on transitions, and trotting undersaddle. I cant stand his trot LOL. I get bounced around sooo much. He's got a hard trot.

I'm trying to figure out a good schedule and what not. He needs more muscle then anything! lol.

Thanks In advance. Also If there is anything else you want to add on muscle building, please feel free to do so!

[Easin upon a Legacy]

ok, about the steep hill, one it depends on how steep the hill is. Walking up it will build muscles but it can be hard on the horse. usually 3-5 times in one ride is usually good but the steeper the hill the less you should do it in one ride because it can be hard on the knees and hocks.

On the trotting you can definitally trot him on a lunge line. Don't be afraid about riding him though even if it is bouncy. alot of times in younger horses its balance issues or they just need experiance to develope a smooth gaite. I would lunge him oh about five to ten minuets each direction everytime you are about to ride your horse and/or if you don't have time to ride just lung him 15-20 minuets each direction.

You should work you horse about five to six days a week especially if you are going to show him.This will help him build muscel and cardiovascular strength for anything you want to do with him. Aslo one more thing. If you want him to build up his neck and back muscels put him on the bridel. If you want more tips on training and building muscle and such feel free to email me or send me a messauge via here. my email is Whoanellyy@cs.com.

[Tracey]

Hi All,

I recently saw one of those horse shows on RFD TV and they indicated that backing up was great for the horse mentally and a super muscle builder. I also heard that it works even better when you back them up a hill. Has anyone heard the same?

Tracey

[Equine_woman]

Backing up is a good way to build butt muscle but I generally throw in some roll backs too. That way your horse has something to think about other than boring ol backing up. I generally work on a fence line for about 15 minutes doing roll backs stops, and backing up. (I throw in some circles in there too to keep my horse from getting bored) As far as the hill goes I used to ride Endurance horses and I would incorporate hills into my training but I wouldn't do them repeatedly. But then I was building endurance first, muscles second. I don't see the harm in doing a hill a few times every work out to help give some more muscle. I wouldn't make it the total ride though. And as far as a rough trot goes you might try posting thru it. That will smooth out any trot for the rider (and make the horse's job easier too) Good luck!