Let’s talk about engaging a horse’s back.

But first, what does that actually mean?

A horse’s back is engaged when it actively uses its core muscles to lift and round its back, rather than allowing it to hollow or drop. This creates a more powerful, balanced and connected ride. It involves the horse’s hindquarters actively pushing weight forward, which in turn lifts the back and allows for greater collection and impulsion.
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And here’s the important part: It’s not poor conformation that’s preventing a horse from engaging its back (yes, even an older horse can engage its back). It’s improper riding and when coupled with non-functional tack, we weaken the horse and rider quickly.

The muscles involved in protraction – the forward movement of a limb – play a key role in engaging the horse’s back and hindquarters.

Protraction of the hind leg starts at the hip and carries the femur, stifle, and hock forward. Muscles that run down the front of the femur help flex the leg, lift it and swing it forward. The harder this muscle chain works, the farther the horse can reach underneath himself – leading to a longer stride, overtrack, and higher steps. Together, these elements contribute to more impressive movement.
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Learn to pick the horse’s back up with your legs. For some riders, that may mean developing stronger quads, calves and glutes.

Ask yourself: Where are you at in life? How old are you? What kind of shape are you in? And what are you doing now to get your horse to move forward?

If age or physical limitations make it difficult to engage with your legs, you can try using some kind of martingale from the back that drives the hip underneath.

But if it’s simply a matter of building leg strength, here are a few of my favorite exercises:

• Squats with no weight – use a box, chair or step
• Lunges with or without a kettle bell
• Hip raises
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Horses become more aware of how to carry themselves. If they’ve learned to engage their core, lift through the back, and push from behind, they’ll often revert to that posture more easily when you ask again – especially if your aids are consistent.

Horsemanship is key but so is having a saddle that really functions. A good saddle should help you maintain a good seat position. Remember, your ear, shoulder, hip, and heel should be in alignment with a soft knee bend, and your position should be centered over your horse. There are plenty of great saddles that support this, but you need to be in good physical shape as well.

So, make it a goal to learn how to properly engage your horse’s back. It might take some practice, but once learned, it will make you and your horse a winner.

And if you need some help, be sure to check out my calendar for upcoming horsemanship and saddle fitting clinics.
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