Ever heard someone compliment a horse for having a fantastic "topline"? It's not just about aesthetics! The topline, encompassing your horse's back and hindquarters, is the cornerstone of a healthy and athletic physique. Strong muscles in this area allow your horse to carry themselves with ease, improve performance, and prevent injuries. But how can you ensure your horse develops a strong topline?
Good nutrition plays a vital role. Here's how some feed options can contribute to building and maintaining a superb topline:
Energy & Protein for Muscle Building:
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Dunstan Eezymix: This complete feed provides a balanced combination of energy sources and protein from high-quality ingredients like rice, barley, and soya beans. The amino acids from these sources are crucial for muscle repair and development.
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Dunstan Muscle ’n Shine: This feed supplement boasts a high concentration of protein and essential amino acids from soya beans and linseed. It's ideal for enhancing topline in horses needing extra muscle development.
Fueling Workouts & Promoting Recovery:
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Dunstan Betabeet Flakes: A low-starch and sugar feed, these flakes provide sustained energy without causing your horse to get "hot." They're perfect for horses in training or those needing a calorie source without the risk of excitability.
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Hekeao Conditioning Pellets: Made with high-fibre legumes like peas and lupins, these soy-free pellets offer a concentrated source of protein and fibre. This combination fuels workouts, supports muscle recovery and is a great option for horses that are sensitive to soy.
Superfood Power:
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Benchmark Super Fibre Mash®: This mash features super fibres like soya hulls, which are highly digestible and provide sustained energy. It also contains prebiotics and probiotics to aid digestion and nutrient absorption, promoting overall health and muscle development.
Natural Goodness:
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Future Feeds Lucerne Chaff: High in protein and calcium, this premium quality chaff is ideal for horses needing to build muscle mass. It provides essential nutrients for optimal performance and overall well-being.
- Purvis Lucerne Chaff + Oil: Is a good source of quality protein, the building blocks of muscle, and is specifically beneficial for horses needing to gain weight and build muscle. The long cut fibers also promote good digestion and nutrient absorption, allowing your horse to get the most out of its feed.
Remember:
- Gradually introduce any new feed to avoid digestive upset.
- High-quality feed is just one piece of the puzzle. Regular exercise that targets the topline muscles is also crucial for development.
Here are some basic exercises you can incorporate into your horse's routine to build topline:
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Hill Work: Walking or trotting uphill engages your horse's hindquarters and core muscles, promoting a strong topline. Start slowly and gradually increase the incline as your horse's fitness improves.
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Polework: Setting up ground poles in various patterns encourages your horse to lift their back and engage their core muscles as they step over or walk between them.
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Cavaletti: Similar to polework, cavalettis encourage your horse to engage their topline for a more lifted and balanced stride. Start with low heights and gradually increase them as your horse builds strength.
- Engaged Trot: Encourage your horse to shorten their stride and engage their core muscles by maintaining a light contact on the reins and asking them to lift their back through their trot work.
Remember:
- Always warm up your horse properly before exercise and cool down afterwards.
- Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of these exercises to avoid injury.
- Listen to your horse and take breaks when needed.
By combining a strategic feeding plan with proper exercise, you can help your horse develop a strong, impressive topline, allowing them to perform at their best and look amazing!