Why Heavy Breeds Struggle Uphill—and How to Help Them Think and Move Forward

From Heavy to Harmonious: Unlocking Forward Energy

Heavy breeds like Friesians, Andalusians, Gypsy Cobs, and draft crosses are stunning, powerful horses—but when it comes to uphill movements, forward thinking, and collected work, they face unique challenges. Unlike lighter breeds such as Thoroughbreds, Arabians, or Warmbloods, heavy horses are built for pulling, not lifting. This means they often carry more weight on the forehand, and even some have a forward-placed sternum, making uphill transitions and forward impulsion harder.

Why Heavy Breeds Are “Harder Rides”

• Biomechanics Matter: Heavy horses have a different skeletal and muscular structure. Their thoracic sling—the muscular system that suspends the ribcage between the forelegs—often needs more conditioning to lift effectively.

• Natural Tendency: Built to pull, these horses instinctively push forward through the shoulders rather than lift upward and engage the hindquarters, which can make forward, uphill work feel like a workout for both horse and rider.

The Key: Lifting the Pectorals to Engage the Thoracic Sling

Think of the thoracic sling as the horse’s “front suspension system.” When the pectoral muscles lift, the ribcage elevates, freeing the forehand and allowing the horse to shift weight back onto the hindquarters. This is essential for:

• Improving balance

• Creating uphill movement

• Encouraging forward thinking and impulsion

Exercises That Build Strength and Forward Energy

1. Well-Executed Back-Ups (In-Hand and Ridden): Backing up correctly encourages the horse to engage the hindquarters and lift through the chest. This sets the stage for forward transitions with better posture. Ideal is to not get the ski lines in the arena (you want your horse to lift their feet in diagonal pairs).

2. Hill Work: Walking up gentle slopes in a long frame helps strengthen the thoracic sling and hindquarters while promoting forward energy without rushing.

3. Pole Work: Raised poles encourage the horse to pick up the forelegs, activate the core, and think forward between each stride.

4. Transitions with Intention: Practice walk-to-trot and trot-to-canter transitions with a focus on lightness and forward thought, not speed. When you ask, mean it, not fluffy or faff about. If it doesn't work. Reset and try again. It's not good trying to push through when it is not working and is damn much harder work!

5. Shoulder-In: Performing a well-executed shoulder-in, with the shoulders lifting, the inside hind has to then step through to carry the weight.

6. Long-Reining: With a focus on backwards and smooth, turning as they go backwards. The horse must be light in the cavesson and not dragging its feet. Ideal is to not get the ski lines in the arena (you want your horse to lift their feet in diagonal pairs).

Avoid the Common Rider Trap: More Leg ≠ More Forward

One of the biggest mistakes riders make with heavy breeds is thinking that “more leg” will create more forward energy. In reality, gripping or clamping with your legs often sends the opposite message—it gives the horse a brace and a stop cue instead of freedom to move.

Less is more. Forward comes from relaxation and subtlety, not force. Here’s how to check your own body for unintentional gripping or bracing:

• Heels soft with feet light – avoid weight driving down into the stirrups (are the toes gently in the stirrups so they won't crush someone's fingers if they were under your boots).

• Lower leg soft and off – we should aim to use our thighs as gentle massaging movements (like you would kneading dough) so think can your lower leg be soft and off the horse.

• Inner thigh like a wet noodle – gently resting on the horse’s ribcage, not clamped.

• Feel the rib swing – when your horse moves their ribs to the right, can you softly massage (think like you would knead dough again) your left thigh? And vice versa? This encourages movement without asking anything with your calf or foot.

• Seat bones awareness – are they pointing forward, backward, or straight down? Experiment at walk, trot, and canter to see how this changes your horse’s balance. (PS. Straight down is ideal so you are carrying yourself for the horse).

• Torso upright – avoid tipping forward or backward, which shifts weight and affects the horse’s ability to lift.

• Eyes up and ahead – looking down transfers weight forward and makes uphill work harder.

These micro-adjustments help your horse feel free to move forward without resistance, creating a more harmonious ride.

If you aren't sure, try and video yourself and review!

Personal Perspective

I do own and train quite a few of the heavies. And, of course, there are days where it is a lot harder than other days to find that forward or uphill ease. I'll be honest, it is an on-going journey with them, especially if you haven't trained them from birth. So be kind to yourself when some days are tougher than others. No-one, or horse, is perfect. However, the time, commitment and determination you put in will never compare to anyone who doesn't, and expects easy results. How cool is it when you can achieve it yourself?! No money can ever replace that of the connection and partnership you have with your horses when you show up for them (even if you are having a shitty day and a groom/cuddle is on the cards). You've got this!

Patience and Progression

Owners and riders must be realistic: developing strength and gymnastic ability in heavy breeds takes time (years with blood, sweat and tears!) and is not something that can happen overnight. These horses need consistent, thoughtful conditioning to achieve the same uphill ease and forward impulsion that lighter breeds find more natural. The payoff? A stronger, more balanced horse capable of beautiful, forward-thinking work.

Let me know how you go with trying any of the suggestions above as to what you find. Keen to hear what helps people or what we can un-pack further!