Weakness behind can look subtle — slipping in turns, slow to engage, difficulty holding canter, or dragging a toe. This guide helps you understand what these signs really mean and how to support a stronger, more confident hind end.
Weakness behind usually signals soreness, lack of strength, imbalance, or early lameness patterns. The hind end drives the horse — when it struggles, everything else compensates.
Early signs are often subtle but meaningful.
Weak behind is almost always a comfort, strength, or biomechanics issue — rarely a behavior problem.
Use this when weakness is mild, there is no heat or swelling, and your veterinarian has confirmed your horse is safe for conditioning work.
Hill work, raised poles, transitions, and controlled trot sets help strengthen stifles, hocks, and supporting muscles.
Long-and-low stretching, serpentines, and relaxed warmups help release the topline so the hind end can engage more freely.
Weakness often starts with discomfort. A consistent comfort routine helps horses push evenly and confidently behind.
Weakness behind usually comes from stifle or hock discomfort, suspensory strain, SI tension, back soreness, hoof imbalance, or simple lack of strength.
Not always — some horses are simply unconditioned. But when weakness pairs with toe-dragging, stumbling, reluctance, or swelling, lameness is likely involved.
Slipping often means the hind end cannot stabilize or push evenly. Stifles, hocks, SI joints, and suspensory branches are common sources of instability.
If weakness is mild, improves with warmup, and shows no soreness, light strengthening may help. If weakness is sudden, uneven, or paired with pain, stop riding and assess.
Weakness often begins with discomfort. Draw It Out® supports soft-tissue comfort in key areas like the stifles, hocks, back, and suspensory so horses can push evenly and rebuild strength.
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From barn aisle to show ring, Draw It Out® stands for one simple promise: Modern Performance, Proven Calm.
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It stays on the legs longer and can be used on cuts and bumps
Appreciate that, Sandra! Our gel was made to stay put and do its job—whether it’s on legs after a hard ride or a few pesky bumps that need some care. Thanks for trusting Draw It Out® to keep your horse feeling their best.
