Horse Not Tracking Up or Stepping Under | Causes And Rider Fixes

Horse Not Tracking Up or Stepping Under | Causes And Rider Fixes
Hind End Engagement

Horse Not Tracking Up Or Stepping Under. Why Engagement Changes

When your horse used to track up and carry from behind, then suddenly starts moving shorter, flatter, or behind the leg, it is easy to get frustrated. Engagement is a whole body job. If any part of that system feels weak, stiff, or confused, your horse will protect themselves by offering less. This guide explains why horses stop tracking up, what to check, and how riders can support a stronger and more confident hind end.

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What You Are Seeing

What It Means When A Horse Stops Tracking Up

Tracking up means the hind hoof steps into or past the print of the front hoof. When a horse stops tracking up, they are not flexing and reaching as far behind, often because the body does not feel able, or because the horse is not motivated to offer that effort.

It does not always mean injury, but it does mean change. Your horse is telling you that engagement is harder than it was before.

Less reach behind can be an early warning sign for stiffness, weakness, or tension long before lameness shows up.
Why It Happens

Common Reasons Horses Lose Tracking Up

Engagement depends on strength, comfort, and clarity. When any of these slip, tracking up changes.

  • Loss of fitness or topline after time off or lighter work.
  • Hind end stiffness in stifles, hocks, or sacroiliac region.
  • Back or core weakness that makes lifting the frame hard.
  • Hoof balance issues that discourage a big step.
  • Rider tension or unclear cues that create more brace than reach.

Your vet and farrier can help you sort out structure, your trainer can help you address the rest.

Real Rider Routine

A Simple Three Step Plan For Mild Loss Of Engagement

This routine is for horses that your veterinarian has cleared for strength work. Always follow their guidance first.

Step 1

Reset The Warm Up

Spend more time walking with purpose, using large figures and gentle lateral work to loosen the back and engage the hindquarters. Let your horse find a natural swing before asking for more drive.

Step 2

Add Simple Strength Builders

Use transitions within the gait, walk and trot poles, and controlled hill work if available. These exercises encourage stepping under without overloading joint structures when done thoughtfully.

Step 3

Support Comfort Around The Work

Build a comfort routine that makes it easier for your horse to use their back and hind end. The more comfortable they feel, the more they can offer from behind.

Relates to your horse. Engagement costs effort. Your horse is more willing to pay that cost when their body feels supported, not punished.
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Where Our Products Fit

How Riders Use Draw It Out® With Horses Losing Engagement

Draw It Out® products do not teach collection, but they help horses feel more ready to use their backs and hind ends when the training asks for it.

  • Draw It Out® 16 ounce Gel along the back, loins, and around the girth line before and after rides as part of a topline comfort routine.
  • Draw It Out® Concentrate as a spray over major muscle groups after harder work or hauling to support recovery days.
  • CryoSpray Cooling Body Brace on specific muscle areas after intense sessions when cooling support is appropriate and approved by your vet.
  • MasterMudd™ EquiBrace for deeper soft tissue zones identified by your veterinarian or body worker as needing targeted support.

Ask your veterinarian how a comfort routine can integrate with the conditioning and shoeing plan they recommend for your horse.

Horse Not Tracking Up Or Stepping Under — FAQ

Why is my horse not tracking up like they used to

Changes in fitness, back or hind end comfort, hoof balance, or rider habits can all cause a horse to stop stepping under as well as they once did. It is often an early sign that some part of the system needs support.

Is my horse lazy if they are not stepping under

Some horses are naturally more forward than others, but a horse that suddenly loses engagement is often protecting themselves from discomfort or weakness, not being lazy.

When should I call the vet about engagement changes

Call your veterinarian if engagement changes are sudden, clearly one sided, or accompanied by stiffness, behavior changes, or reluctance to work. These can be early signs of lameness or other issues.

Can exercises help my horse track up better

With veterinary clearance, targeted conditioning such as hill work, poles, and transitions can help your horse build strength and coordination, especially when comfort and fit are also addressed.

How does Draw It Out® fit into a tracking up plan

Draw It Out® products support muscle and soft tissue comfort so horses feel more able to use their backs and hind ends while you and your trainer build fitness and balance.

This guide is for education and is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a veterinarian or qualified professional. If you are concerned about changes in your horse’s engagement, contact your vet.