30/07/2026
A great explanation of something we often simply refer to as muscle atrophy. Understanding why muscle changes occur is just as important as recognising that they have. 💪
If you’re concerned about your horse’s muscle development, remember that saddle fit can be a significant contributing factor. If you’d like your saddle assessed, I’d be happy to help.
📅 Limited appointments are now available until mid-September due to the summer holidays and childcare commitments.
✉️ [email protected]
📞 07736 855366
That hollow behind your horse's shoulder blade, what is it?
Many believe it's wastage of the trapezius muscle, but that's not entirely correct.
The trapezius is actually thin and only covers the upper part of that area — nowhere near enough to explain hollows that can be 10cm deep or more. So what's really going on?
It could be:
🔹 Longissimus dorsi atrophy (check for a matching hollow in the neck too)
🔹 Natural conformation — high-withered types often show more of a hollow than flat-backed cobs
🔹 Posture — a weak thoracic sling letting the ribcage drop forward and down between the front legs (often the biggest culprit!)
🔹 Poor saddle fit, which can make posture worse
Encourage your horse to lift its thorax up between the front legs, and the "hollow" can disappear almost instantly.
Want to see this for yourself — the muscles and skeletons up close?
At the Inside the Horse Equine Anatomy Exhibition, you can see the trapezius, longissimus dorsi and thoracic sling in place on painted horses, and learn the exercises that help fix postural hollows for good.
14 different zones to help you understand more about how your horse functions - a fascinating way to learn with lots of interactive exhibits where you can get hands on and improve your knowledge.
📍 Wavendon Grange, Leicestershire
📅 14th–23rd August 2026
Come and find out what's really going on under the saddle.
Comment AX and we'll send you more details.
