Just like humans, horses need to have a strong core in order to perform at their best. A strong core can improve a horse’s balance, coordination, and overall athleticism. Fortunately, there are a variety of exercises that you can do with your horse to help build and strengthen its core. Here are six exercises that you can incorporate into your horse’s training routine to help them perform at its best.

1. Hill Work Hill work is a great way to build strength in your horse’s core and hindquarters. Find a hill with a gradual slope, and ride your horse up and down it in a trot or canter. This will help your horse engage their hind end and lift their belly muscles. Start with just a few repetitions and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercise over time.
2. Lateral Work Lateral work, such as leg yields and shoulder-in, can help your horse develop the muscles along their ribcage and back. These exercises require your horse to bend and flex its body, which can help improve its balance and coordination. Start with simple lateral movements and gradually increase the difficulty and duration of the exercises as your horse becomes stronger.
3. Pole Work Pole work is a great way to improve your horse’s balance and coordination, while also strengthening its core. Set up a series of poles on the ground and ride your horse over them in a trot or canter. This will help your horse engage their core and lift their back muscles. Start with just a few poles and gradually increase the difficulty and number of poles as your horse becomes more comfortable with the exercise.
4. Belly Lifts Belly lifts are a simple exercise that you can do with your horse to help build strength in their core muscles. Stand on your horse’s left side, facing its tail, and place your hands on either side of its belly. Gently lift up with your hands, encouraging your horse to lift its belly muscles. Hold the lift for a few seconds, then release and repeat on the other side.
5. Backing Up Backing up is a great way to engage your horse’s core muscles, while also improving their responsiveness and obedience. Start by standing in front of your horse and asking them to back up a few steps. As your horse becomes more comfortable with the exercise, gradually increase the distance and duration of the backup.
6. Longeing is a great way to improve your horse’s overall fitness and core strength. Use a long line to work your horse in a circle, asking them to move forward and engage its core muscles. Start with just a few minutes of longeing, and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercise as your horse becomes stronger.

7. Transitions, such as trot-walk transitions or walk-canter transitions, are an excellent way to engage your horse’s core muscles. These exercises require your horse to shift its weight and engage its hindquarters, which can help improve its balance and coordination. Start with simple transitions and gradually increase the difficulty and duration of the exercises as your horse becomes stronger.
8. Backing Up a Hill Backing up a hill is an excellent exercise to build strength in your horse’s hindquarters and core. Find a gradual slope and ask your horse to back up it in a straight line. This exercise requires your horse to engage its core and lift its back muscles, while also building strength in its hindquarters. Start with just a few steps and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercise over time.
9. Cavaletti Work Cavaletti work is a great way to improve your horse’s balance, coordination, and overall fitness. Set up a series of cavaletti poles on the ground and ride your horse over them in a trot or canter. This exercise requires your horse to engage its core and lift its back muscles, while also improving its balance and coordination. Start with just a few poles and gradually increase the difficulty and number of poles as your horse becomes more comfortable with the exercise.
10. Leg Lifts Leg lifts are an excellent exercise to target your horse’s core muscles. Stand on your horse’s left side, facing its tail, and place your hand on its right hip. Gently lift their right hind leg, encouraging your horse to engage their core and lift their back muscles. Hold the lift for a few seconds, then release and repeat on the other side.
11. Lunging with Side Reins Lunging with side reins is a great way to help your horse develop their topline muscles, which are essential for a strong and healthy core. Use a lunge line to work your horse in a circle, and attach side reins to encourage your horse to engage its core and lift its back muscles. Start with just a few minutes of lunging and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercise as your horse becomes stronger.
12. Backing in Circles Backing in circles is an advanced exercise that requires your horse to engage its core and lift its back muscles while also improving its balance and coordination. Start by asking your horse to back up a few steps in a straight line, then ask them to turn in a tight circle while continuing to back up. This exercise requires a lot of coordination and balance, so be sure to start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercise as your horse becomes stronger.

Incorporating these exercises into your horse’s training routine can help improve their core strength and overall performance. Always prioritize safety and choose exercises that are appropriate for your horse’s skill level. With a little dedication and consistency, your horse can build a strong and healthy core that will help them perform at its best.