Exploring the Mechanics of Topline-Building Training Aids
In the realm of equine care and performance, the importance of a strong and well-developed topline in horses cannot be overstated. The muscles along the horse’s back, neck, and hindquarters, play a huge role in the horse’s overall well-being and performance capabilities. Beyond aesthetics, a muscular topline is a testament to a horse’s physical fitness and soundness. It directly influences its posture, movement, and ability to carry a rider comfortably. This article will explain the mechanics behind multiple training aids that can be used for topline development.
De Gogue
The De Gogue consists of a strap over the poll and a strap between the front legs. They are connected by lines that go along the neck to the poll strap, down through the bit, to the strap between the legs, like a running martingale. Its mechanical function restricts upward head movement. When the horse raises its head excessively, it applies downward pressure on the poll and upward pressure on the bit. By doing so, it encourages a rounded frame, hindquarter engagement, and back elevation. The key is in the controlled restriction that prompts the horse to find a naturally elevated posture.
Chambon
The chambon is a training aid very similar to the De Gogue in terms of appearance and function. The only difference is that it connects directly to the bit instead of passing through the bit. Like the De Gogue, it applies pressure to the poll and bit to discourage the horse from inverting their frame. The chambon is typically used for lunging while the De Gogue is for ridden work.
Neck Stretcher
A neck stretcher is an elastic cord that runs over the poll and through the bit. It then has clips that connect either to the side rings of the girth or between the front legs. The neck stretcher functions similarly to the De Gogue and chambon, exerting pressure on the poll and through the bit, but unlike those, it can be easily loosened or tightened. This allows for a gradual stretch that can be adjusted depending on each horse’s level of fitness. Adjusting them correctly is crucial to avoiding causing over-flexion.
Equiband
The Equiband is a saddle pad that utilizes elastic bands to encourage hind end engagement while riding. One elastic band circles the abdomen, behind the girth, while the other crosses behind the back legs. The light resistance from these bands prompts the horse to lift its back by engaging the abdominal muscles and bringing their hind legs underneath them. This tool is particularly effective for targeted core strength during ridden work. A DIY alternative to the Equiband is to tie a polo or standing wrap to either side of the girth, bringing it behind the horse’s hindquarters. Be sure the wrap isn’t too tight, it should only apply very light pressure.
Lunging System
A lunging system is a training aid designed to mimic a rider’s hands while lunging. It consists of ropes and snaps that first connect to either the top rings of a surcingle or between the front legs. The ropes then pass through the bit and continue along the length of the horse to a padded strap across the back legs. It then connects to the top of the surcingle again. By connecting to the bit and applying pressure to the hind end, a lunging system serves the functions of a chambon and Equiband together. It facilitates a proper headset as well as encourages hind end engagement.