HGG Community Forums

Wet saddle blankets. Lots of wet saddle blankets.

In other words, keep doing what your doing only more of it. And I would second the hills, both up and down.

I am assuming you do strictly english, but if you have a way to get him to pull a tire or heavy log, even if you are just leading him, and do that at a fast walk or trot that will also help. The hills and swimming are great for hind quarters and like Gael said, lots and lots of wet saddle blankets.

There are a few places I could float him too! Hoping to swim him before the weather gets too cold. SD Stables, wouldn't pulling heavy objects mostly target his shoulders and chest?
I worked him in a pessoa lunging system tonight, then had a ride up the roads with some friends :)
Does anyone know of any feeds that could promote muscle growth, or is it more in the exercising?

Pulling will strengthen his shoulders but it will also work his hind quarters. That is where the power comes from. Look at draft horses and their powerful hind quarters. Also, if you have ever had to pull or drag something behind you, you used your shoulders to brace against it, but it was your legs and thighs that did the work. I ride western and have access to all sorts of stuff to drag around, so its common for me to do this. If you dont have easy access to something then dont worry about it. Gael is right on all accounts. you just have to put in the time and energy to get it accomplished. Longer rides going up and down hills and trough trails will work wonders and f there is a pond around there, slip off the saddle and go for a little swim. We used to do that as kids. Ride all afternoon and the reward was a dip in the tank. Horses and kids alike loved it.