An intelligent approach to 'outlines'?

[suzii]

Every since I heard of the term outline it has puzzled me and still remains a mystery. There seems to be loads of information on what an outline is (horse pushing from behind, engaging muscles, lifting back therefore causing an arched neck) but not that much information on why or how to get one.

I have a horse that was diagnosed with kissing spine, he is now back and work and seems to be doing well. The yard I am at has lots of posh dressagey people who can't help but comment on how Sprite is not 'activating from behind' although, again, they have little help on how to get this without spurs or lunging with side reins!

Clearly it is important that I can get Sprite to build muscle across his back - he has a serious dip behind his wither which needs sorting to protect his spine.

So how do we train outlines? Does it just happen when the horse is moving forward and is supple enough or do we have to train it? What are the aids for an outline - I have been told several things most of which entailing kick and play with the mouth (I'm sure you will understand that I'm not so sure about this!) When you ask for an outline, should you 'hold' the horse (i.e. keep asking for an outline) or release to make it more comfortable for the horse to stay in that position?

Please could somebody help clear this mystery up for me?! Also, any exercises which could help my horse to build back muscle will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Andrew Moy]

Hi Suzii, not sure if the attached web page may help www.artofriding.com/articles/longandlow.html

[laurac]

hi
hilary claytons core strengthening exercises will help with his back you do them on the ground, try you tube or google for info
good luck

[kathyt]

Your best bet would be to work with a good instructor (although possibly not one the dressage people on your yard use

[Hannah]

Agree with kathyt. Look for a classically minded instructor

[Beth&Rosie]

to ask my horse to go in an outline, my instructor says to "feel" one of the reins gently (sort of tiny tiny half halts) sometimes switching reins and not in a set rhythm to encourage horse to soften. As soon as they soften even a tiny bit, release all pressure as a reward. When the horse comes back up, back to feeling the reins, horse softens, pressure released, and so on. Your horse will probably get the idea pretty quickly, when he starts to go in a better shape of his own accord, remember to make sure that you aren't pulling him, keep a contact, but with still and gentle hands. You will probably find that your horse will find it easier on circles to engage his back end, and lots of transitions will encourage him to step under. Hope this helps!

ETA. have just looked at the website and that is saying the same thing! My instructor musst have read it....what she said was almost identical!

[ticketyboo]

Hi Suzii, not sure if the attached web page may help www.artofriding.com/articles/longandlow.html

Thank you for that Andrew, good luck with it all Suzii and thank you for starting this thread!!!



Need to start my own thread about this as had back lady out yesterday.....

[sarahandrieu]

Would highly recommend Debby Lush's book for help with this - its my favourite training book so far as its written in really plain english, based on classical principles, and has lots of troubleshooting etc if the things she suggests doesn't work. It has all the why and how of 'outlines' that you are looking for explained really well, with enough about anatomy that you can understand it but not so much it bamboozles you! I've had a couple of lessons with Debby and she is brilliant, if you can't have her, the book is a good substitute!! My horse also had kissing spines although he is post op but the same re-training of how to use his body is needed...!
www.amazon.co.uk/Building-Blocks-Training-Debby-Lush/dp/0851319327/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

[sandy]

Thanks for the link to 'Art of riding'. Very useful.

[suzii]

Hi all, I have been working Sprite long and low and this seems to be working well for him (thanks for that link). He has built up muscle on his next and hindquarters and loins but we are struggling with the behind the wither area - he has a lot of muscle wastage from a poorly fitting saddle he previously had.

Laurac, are the equinology people riding instructors as well as massagers (not the right word!) and body work people? I have found someone in my area so might be nice to book a lesson with one of them if they could help me with my riding?

Sarahandrieu, am looking into getting the book, sounds like just what I need

[jen1]

where in the world are you a visit to a lecture demo by becky holden might give you a clear idea on how to achieve a rounded horse body mind and spirit, its wokred wonders with my horses, its a bit like physio but not in a way, im hosting a lecture/demo on the 26th of november,

[suzii]

I'm in Buckinghamshire, that sounds interesting

[jen1]

Oct 25, 2011 13:47:31 GMT 1 suzii said:

I'm in Buckinghamshire, that sounds interesting

oo is it too far, i think becky comes down yur way and i know june on here hosts in herts

[CTW Equine]

The dips behind the wither will only fill out if they have space to do so. What saddle, pads etc are you now using?

[suzii]

I have had the saddle widened a lot, it was far too narrow before. After a month he had grown an inch so it has now been widened again to give him more room to grow into. I am currently using quite a thick saddle cloth and will swap it for a thinner one as he grows again.