The Plaid Horse Trainer Tuesday, Dec. 23. 2025

Trainer Tuesday: How do you help a physically or structurally limited horse activate their hind end if they can’t accomplish a ‘frame’ in the traditional sense?

Welcome to Trainer Tuesday! Each week we ask trainers a question and gather their answers for you. These trainers have a range of experience, backgrounds, and focus points of their programs, so the answers have as much variation as you would expect and also probably much more similarity.

This week’s question posed is: How do you help a physically or structurally limited horse activate their hind end if they can’t accomplish a ‘frame’ in the traditional sense?

Here are their answers:

“When working with a horse who is physically or structurally limited and cannot achieve a traditional ‘frame,’ the goal is not to force a posture but to encourage correct, comfortable use of the hind end through gymnastic, confidence-building work.

Prioritize exercises that promote natural engagement—such as gentle hill work, raised cavaletti, large balanced circles, and transitions within the walk and trot—while allowing the horse to move in whatever outline their body can sustainably maintain.

Focus on rhythm, relaxation, and straightness first; as those improve, the horse will begin to step under more freely without being compressed into a shape they cannot physically hold.

Think of it as strengthening and coordinating the engine rather than decorating the front end. Consistent, low-pressure work and a willingness to adapt expectations to the individual horse will yield far better—and healthier—hind-end activation than chasing a manufactured frame.”

-Amy Hill

Mon Coeur Cheval Stables

Los Angeles, CA