Let’s Talk Horse Power
The Gluteus Medius (or medial glute) is the largest muscle in the horse and makes up the upper portion of the horse’s hind quarters. This muscle extends the hip and provides the horse with the power needed for forward movement. This is the original source of horsepower as it provides the impulsion necessary for forward movement and topline engagement.
A well-developed rump in tandem with a strong topline indicates that a horse is using their hind end correctly to send energy forwards without overcompensating elsewhere. When this muscle is underdeveloped or tight, your horse may find it difficult to track up, engage their topline, and maintain balance. This hinders their ability to jump, maintain proper collection, have free and forward movement, and might even lead to injury.
When riding, remember that your horse’s power comes from their hind end, and only with the use of the medial gluteal can the forehand become elevated. “Backwards riding” or pulling the horse into a frame rather than encouraging push from the hind end can limit your horse’s performance and proper muscle development. Massage can help improve the condition, strength, and function of your horse’s hind. By releasing adhesions or spasms, massage allows for increased range of motion. Massage also helps to increase circulation and promotes muscle development as it brings nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to the muscle. In addition, it helps balance the body and aids in symmetrical development and injury prevention. At home, you can try activations and stretches to give this muscle some extra love in pre- and post- ride grooming sessions. You may also spend some extra time deep-currying this muscle to help promote circulation to the area. Mounted exercises that help build a booty are poles, cavalettis, grid work, and hill work to name a few. Remember to build up slowly when it comes to poles, just as with jumping. Starting with 3 walk poles set at 2 ½ to 3 feet apart depending on your horse’s natural stride can prove more challenging than you might think! As you ride over them, stay straight, encourage your horse to push from his hind end, and avoid hitting any poles.
In terms of your own bum, your medial glutes play a huge role in your riding. The aid we refer to as the “seat” is much more than just where your bum touches the saddle and actually stretches from your lower abdominals to your upper knee. The seat is the most effective way to communicate with and influence our horses (“Say it louder for the people in the back!”). As I come from a variety of riding backgrounds (from Western to Hunt-Seat) I try to hack and school in a “balanced seat”, meaning that my seat is (on my good days) supple, ready to respond instantly, and independent from my hands, lower-leg, and upper-body.
There are three main types of seat: 1. the passive seat in which the rider follows the horse’s movement 2. the restricting seat, which influences the horse’s movement to come back (what is used in a proper half-halt), and 3. the driving seat, which asks for more forward (not necessarily faster!) movement. Proper execution of all three seats requires you to have strong, balanced muscles, just like your horse! In the passive seat, you should have fluid, even movement and loose muscles. If you struggle with this particular seat, try stretching before you ride. Lunges, side lunges, pigeon pose, child’s pose, seated glute stretches, and figure-four pose should do the trick! Do 3+ of the suggested stretches for 20 seconds each before your next ride and see if it makes a difference ( I know it did for me). For the restricting and driving seat, you need a strong core, lower back, and leg. Did you know that squatting works your glutes, legs, back, and core? Now you do. Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart (I like to have my toes turned out at a 30 degree angle but do what is most comfortable for you!) let your weight sink into your heel (“Heels down!”) and, keeping your chest up, sink down until your thighs are parallel with the ground. Hold for one second and then return to a standing position (remembering to rise from your heel) and clench your muscles on the way up. Repeat 8-20 times for 5 sets, depending on your level of fitness.
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