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Pot belly
Mar 28, 2015 18:27:58 GMT
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Post by caies on Mar 28, 2015 18:27:58 GMT
A pony of mine suffers with a slight pot belly. He's around 14h and on the HW side of middleweight. He's very well muscled, and competition fit (ridden 6-7 days a week, including some intensive schooling and canter work at local gallops; competing unaff eventing at present). He shows no other signs of being overweight, and his belly doesn't protrude outwards but rather 'hangs' down.
He is wormed regularly, but a recent egg check came back at 0-50. The vet's also been out and confirmed no obvious gastrointestinal issues. He's on a digestion supplement, as I thought it may be of help, but has had no effect.
When ridden, he tucks up somewhat and it is not obvious. However we're hoping to show him this year and when held in hand it looks unsightly and will doubtless have an effect on conformation marks. Can anyone advise? It may be that it's just the way he is, but thought it worth asking! Thanks in advance.
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Post by leevale on Mar 28, 2015 19:26:30 GMT
Have you had his teeth checked?
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Post by caies on Mar 28, 2015 19:46:36 GMT
Hi leevale, teeth last done about 10 months ago, but checked by vet a few weeks back and all fine
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Pot belly
Mar 28, 2015 20:12:08 GMT
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Post by Em5 on Mar 28, 2015 20:12:08 GMT
Do done stretching exercises with him on hand to help tone him up in that area. If you speak to a Physio I'm sure they could offer some advice on specific toning exercises
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Pot belly
Mar 28, 2015 20:34:18 GMT
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Post by caies on Mar 28, 2015 20:34:18 GMT
Hi Em5, I should have mentioned - he has physio sessions a few times a year because of an old leg injury (and he's a spoilt pony!), and have since been doing some stretches to each hip and to the ground on the outside of each foreleg. She also advised doing a lot of long and low work; this has helped him develop a great top line but has not completely eliminated the pot.I will explore further though, thank you.
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Mar 29, 2015 6:42:55 GMT
Our dressage trainer has some ways, can't remember exactly what you do now, to get them to raise their back as necessary to go in a good correct outline and therefore pull up the belly too, I'd have thought these should improve the muscle tone of the belly?
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Pot belly
Mar 30, 2015 19:31:03 GMT
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Post by caies on Mar 30, 2015 19:31:03 GMT
Thanks Sarahp, I'm sure there are more exercises I could be doing; I'll ask my flat instructor on the weekend for her advise. Thanks all for your replies
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Post by cariad on Mar 31, 2015 11:04:18 GMT
Our dressage trainer has some ways, can't remember exactly what you do now, to get them to raise their back as necessary to go in a good correct outline and therefore pull up the belly too, I'd have thought these should improve the muscle tone of the belly? I had the physio quite recently, who said to tickle quite hard under the belly in order for the horse to lift its back, do it before and after riding, just helps to strengthen the core.
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