Real Rider Resource
Why Horses Stop Tracking Up Or Stepping Under
Tracking up means the hind hoof steps into the front hoof’s print. When a horse stops doing this, it is usually because stepping under feels harder than it should. This is early communication, not laziness.
What Riders Notice First
- Horse no longer steps into hoofprints at walk or trot
- Slow or sticky transitions
- Flat, rushed, or behind-the-leg movement
- Reluctance to carry weight from behind
Loss of engagement is often your horse saying
“Using my hind end feels harder than it used to.”
Common Causes
- Weak topline or core strength
- Hind end stiffness or soreness
- Back or SI tension
- Hoof balance issues
- Cold-backed tightness or poor warm up
Quick Rider Checks
- Feel along back and loins for tension
- Check hoof angles and farrier schedule
- Warm up longer — does engagement improve
- Note if one hind leg steps under less
How Draw It Out® Fits In
Riders use: Draw It Out® 16oz Gel on back and loins Draw It Out® Concentrate for recovery CryoSpray Cooling Body Brace after tough work MasterMudd™ EquiBrace for targeted deep-tissue support
Want the full engagement guide?
See deeper causes, strength routines, and red flags.
