Is this a "good" muscle?

[SharonA]

My horse is doing beautifully in terms of learning to travel in a nice frame, and she is definitely picking up some topline muscle, finally. I noticed yesterday that while her whole neck is a much more normal and attractive shape now, she in particular is developing this one area of "vertical" muscle.

I think it's the pink muscle in the attached link, just in front of the shoulder; though, it seems alittle further up on my horse so maybe it's the tan muscle group just in front of the pink group -- but it definitely runs up and down, not lengthwise along the neck.

Is development of this muscle indicative of good work, or is something else going on that means we aren't quite correct? I love my trainer and respect her judgement absolutely; I just have never felt this muscle this clearly in other horses. (I haven't pointed this muscle out to my trainer yet -- I know she'll have a good and interesting answer once I do ask her).


http://www.naturalanimals.net/images/horse-equine-muscle-movement-therapy1.jpg


Thanks!!

P.S. Can you believe the expression on the face of the "model" horse? He looks beyond embarrassed. :)

[Risk-Averse Rider]

Poor pony!!!

[hoopoe]

it can be. Many horses as they progress up the dressage levels pop muscles though most commonly the triangle shaped one (trapezius)

what you are seeing might be an improvement in the area where it is attached on the posterior along with general overall improved condition.

My saddle fitter commented on my horses improved and "beefed up" shoulder as he started working into third level

[mothermucker12]

it looks like it might be the same spot my horse has developed too, happens every year around this time...vet says that muscle developes more in the summer because its constantly twitching to get flies off

[BornToRide]

Yes, she is using her shoulder more so you are getting more muscle definition in that area. :)