Core Muscle Strength Promotes Longevity
(Page 21) Do you know what your saddle is sitting on anatomically? The equine spine has fragile “spinous processes” that extend upward from the vertebrae like “fingers” that are covered only by the “Supraspinous ligament,” connective tissue and top line muscling that run the length of the top line from the “Nuchal ligament” and lamina that supports the neck. The equine spine is naturally designed to carry weight underneath and not necessarily on top. At 29 years old, AQHA stallion Kip Dee Beau exhibits the top line and core muscling that has given him greater strength, balance, health and longevity. See how the spine melds into the barrel on 32 year old, Large Standard donkey, Lucky Three Little Jack Horner, and 10 year old mini donkeys, Augie and Spuds. There will be no definition between the spine and barrel when there is adequate core muscle development. Even miniature mules and miniature horses can have this smooth appearance across the topline as with 17 year old mini mule, Lucky Three Francis. Without proper core strength exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the top line (and the weight of the rider) before actually riding, your equine could easily be put at risk and injured by something as simple as incorrect mounting and/or irregular exercise. Core strength exercises not only symmetrically develop the system of elements that support the spine, but they also enable the animal to perform efficiently in good posture, whether riding or driving. Have you ever experienced a “crick” in your neck, or back, and didn’t even know how it happened? Equines can experience these same kinds of issues. When their training does not address these core elements that support the skeletal frame, riding them can cause these kinds of problems. We cover how to develop the core in good equine balance in our EQUUS REVISITED Manual/DVD combo and in our TRAINING TIPS. We have even more detailed articles about our whole program under MULE CROSSING. Check out lots of helpful information to enhance your management and training program under TRAINING and in our STORE on my website at www.luckythreeranch.com. Please feel free to contact me at any time at meredith@luckythreeranch.com with any questions or concerns.
