Topline? High withers?

Question

Okay the more I look at pictures of my horse, the more I think that he has a topline, just REALLY high withers like a Thoroughbred. I know I did have sooo many saddle fitting problems and the saddle I ride now has a REALLLLY high tree (it's wide and high)

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii121/Sonnywhimpsgunshot/Parellistuffandhannahjumping026.jpg

What do you all think?

That is the most recent picture I have of his back...it was taken 2 days ago so not much has changed if anything.

Also if he does have a small topline or no topline what are ways WITHOUT USING MECHANICAL DEVICES (side-reins, draw-reins, pessoas, etc) to help him gain it back....and loose his slightly ewe-neck?

Answer 1

Well, ALL horses have toplines, it's just a way of referring to the withers, back, loins, and croup as a whole.  His topline look relatively normal.  His withers are a bit higher than "normal", but definately not too bad.  

According to the link below, horse's withers actually should be very slightly higher than their croup.  Whether that is true or not, I don't know- I've never heard that before, thought the explaination makes sense.  Either way your guy looks fine.

Add:  You can never get "rid" of an ewe-neck in the same way that you can't get rid of a pigeon breasted horse- it is a conformational fault.  From that picture (not the best of a neck) I wouldn't say that your guy's neck looks to be a HUGE problem.

ADD2:  In SOME cases, yes, it might be caused by excessive muscle on the underside of the neck, but in other cases, it's just as much a flaw as a roman nose- and just as unfixable.

Answer 2

Your horse is absolutely fine. He has a healthy build for his breed and body shape. Don't worry about it. I believe you posted this question or a similar one before, and trust me, he is gorgeous. Ask professionals if you are concerned, they have a better outlook as well as ways you can help it improve if you think there is a topline issue. Good luck.

Answer 3

Too add muscle to the top line teach him to gather himself and work with his feet under him and not stretched out.

Another trick used is to have two people one across from the other grip hands under his belly and chest and lift as hard as they can.  This takes two STRONG people.  Do it every day but especially directly after rides.  I would not have believed this would do anything but I saw the results in a horse I had broke out for a young man.  He was MUCH worse than yours in having little top line and EXTREMELY high whithers.  In fact the present owners were considering not buying him because they thought he looked sway back and had been ridden too young, by too heavy a person.  When they found out that I was the first and only person on his back they looked again and decided that the problem was like I had said....no top line and an unbelievably high whithers.  After using the technique I described for the first year or two of riding he developed good muscling and began holding himself more collected and if I did not know better I would not have recognized him as the same horse.  

Answer 4

Riding him long and low will help to develop him to his best potential.  I don't know if you are familiar with that, so I'll describe it.  Ride where he has room to stretch out.  Leave his mouth alone, and work on getting him to bring energy from his rear end forward.  To do that, you sit deep, while legging him forward.  Deepening your weight in the saddle encourages him to engage his quarters and reach farther under himself.  He will stretch his top line, and when his hips engage, his back will elevate.  You'll feel like you are riding uphill.  He will round out through the neck, and slight vibrations on one rein will bring him onto the bit.  Let him work like this, and gradually ask for him to come onto the bit so he is working collected.  But let him stretch and reach freely at first.

Answer 5

I'd be inclined to agree that he has a high wither more so than anything. As for gaining topline without mechanical devices, is he trained to work on the bit when you ride? If so I'd be doing lots of that. I find a draw rein or side reins to be the best thing personally however I don't do them as tight as a lot of people, it's only there for a guide not to hurt or force them. Other than than perhaps you can do some neck flexing exercises with him regularly on the ground??! Hope this helps some, he's gorgeous anyway :)

Answer 6

Nice horse. You will not have problems with your saddle slipping.



Remember the most important part of your horse is his attitude, which, by the sound of it, is a good one. Don't worry too much about his neck and "top line", that is: his slight conformational flaws.

He looks strong and sound. Ride him regularly, keep him muscled up. Improve your hand position and hand sensitivity to improve his head carriage which will help his neck look.

Remember: good hands give when the horse takes, and take when the horse gives...EXCELLENT hands take when the horse takes and give when the horse gives.

That said...it's a perfect attitude in a horse that is the real jewel. There are a lot of "looker" horses out there that have bad attitudes. Feel blessed to have a good fellow like him.You keep working to develop a perfect report with him and he will always be a pleasure for you to ride. Lucky you!

Answer 7

Thats just him. thats how his withers are not much you can do about it, its his back!

I have the same issue with my english saddle so i feel your pain ha.

Good luck!