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Structure and Mechanics
The term Top Line is a collective name for the cervical trapezius (neck), thoracic trapezius (withers), latissimus dorsi (back) and superficial/medial gluteal (loin and croup) muscles, which run the length of the horses neck and back.
The top line functions to open the spine in order to achieve balanced and rhythmic movement. The structure of the horse’s vertebrae is such that when the head is raised and the spine flat the vertebrae turn in towards each other, by rounding the spine and engaging the top line muscles, the vertebrae to fan out, making a more natural position for the rider and allowing the hind legs to swing underneath the body to propel the horse forward.
In order to correctly engage the top line during training, it is essential that the horse be encouraged to stretch onto the bit, rather than having his head pulled onto it, in order for the whole back, not just the neck, to become strong.
Improving Top Line
In order to achieve the rounded top line musculature essential for a strong, balanced and well presented horse, correct training and developmental feeding programs must be established.
Exercise
The following exercises will help to build Top Line and improve muscle flexibility.
- Stretching – The front and hind legs of the horse should be stretched either before or immediately after tacking up in order to loosen the muscles in the shoulder and quarters prior to exercise and improve muscle flexibility. There are a number of different techniques for stretching the horse and it is important that these are demonstrated accurately by a physiotherapist, chiropractor or vet before using them on your horse.
- Long & Low – During your warm up and cool down encourage your horse to stretch down through the head and neck on a long rein. This will help to stretch and improve suppleness in the top line, encouraging your horse to engage his back more actively during training. This exercise will increase the top line muscle mass and give your horse a more rounded appearance.
- Free schooling over poles – Free schooling your horse over ground poles will encourage a underdeveloped horse to stretch and develop his top line muscles much more easily than when there is a rider on his back. The use of ground poles forces the horse to engage his quarters and stretch the fore legs more thoroughly, requiring the horse to lift and round his back, therefore naturally engaging and exercising the top line muscles. Not only does this exercise improve muscle growth and flexibility but also assists the horse in developing balance and tempo.
Nutrition:
The strength and quality of your horses muscle development is directly related to the amount and quality of protein that is available from the diet. It is important that muscle is not confused with fat, just because a horse is well covered with fat does not mean that he is well conditioned.
Protein is made up of over 20 different types of amino acids. These are the building blocks of all muscle, skin, hair, hoof and body tissues. Horses require a specific combination of 10 different essential amino acids in order to effectively build muscle from the work they perform.
There are a number of resources available for determining your horse’s protein requirements, both online and in equine nutrition books. Protein requirements vary greatly depending on age and the type of work being performed, take the time to work out what your horse’s protein requirements are, and what he is currently receiving in his feed, as an insufficient supply of essential amino acids may be limiting the effects of your top line building exercise program. To improve the quality of protein in your horse’s diet, include a highly concentrated protein supplement that contains lysine, leucine, argenine and methionine. By ensuring that your horse has the correct types and amounts of amino acids that he requires for optimum muscle building, you will accelerate top line development from exercise.