Topline Part Two: Impacts of Genetics, Nutrition, & Exercise

In part one of my topline blogs, I discussed 4 key components critical to understanding a horse’s topline. Now I’d like to discuss the impacts of genetics, nutrition, and exercise.

Genetics

All horses of good health and with no underlying genetic issues can develop a healthy topline. If you watched the video at the bottom of part one of this topic, you learned that some horse breeds will build a bulkier topline (example: Quarter Horse) while others have a leaner muscle build (example: Thoroughbred). But either way, the muscles of any breed have the ability to become strong and well developed.

There is one genetic disorder, Myosin Heavy Chain Myopathy (MYHM), that can cause a horse’s immune system to attack one of the proteins found in normal muscle cells. This disease is mainly related to Quarter Horse and related breeds. If your horse has suffered from rapid muscle loss in the topline and of quarter horse type, it may be a good idea to learn more about this disorder and the testing available for it. Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine has a fantastic article on this subject.

Nutrition

When a horse’s overall weight is good, a poor topline may be a result of nutrition. An article in The Horse, posted by Clair Thunes, Ph.D. says that most feeds on the market are not lacking in protein. Instead, it’s “an issue of inadequate quality protein.” Protein is made up of amino acids. Some amino acids are considered non-essential because the body can produce them. Others are referred to as essential amino acids because the body cannot produce them and they must be supplied through the horse’s food source. A poor topline could be an indication essential amino acids responsible for muscle development are lacking in the diet.

You can improve the quality of protein in your horse’s diet in several ways. Alfalfa is a good source of amino acids such as lysine. Nice green pasture grass can also improve protein quality but is not always available or a option for some horses. A ration balancer or amino acid supplement is also a good option. Working with your veterinarian to adjust your horses diet and improve the quality of protein is a good place to start.

Exercise

After you’ve ruled out genetics and you are confident your horse’s nutrition is adequate for muscle development. It’s time to look at exercises that help the horse build a better topline. There is a limitless supply of ideas online. Just remember that while building that topline to go slow. Your horse will need to build up strength and stamina slowly. Doing too much, too fast will cause injuries and put your horse right back at square one.

Here are 3 exercises that can help any horse build a stronger topline:

1. Hills: Going up and down hills is great at building muscle. Lots of hacking out on the trails are also fun and enjoyable for both you and your horse.
2. Speed and gate Transitions: Work on transitioning between gates and also on transitioning in each gate from slow to fast and then back down to slow. Transition work helps a horse as long as the horse is relaxed and not hollow. You can always go back to the hills while you work on developing a calm transition.
3. Poles: Begin with poles on the ground and slowly move to raised poles as your horse becomes stronger. Don’t be discouraged if at first, they knock them consistently. As they learn to control their muscles and build strength, the athleticism will begin to develop

Remember, the idea is to begin slowly with short periods of hard work. walking is very underrated and building a horse up to the ability to walk long hours on the trail will also help in the arena. The horse will be stronger and have the stamina to accomplish more advanced exercises and you will avoid serious injuries.