01/03/2026
You might notice your horse standing with their hind legs tucked underneath them, almost like they’re standing “under” themselves rather than straight down. This is what we call a camped under posture. Sometimes it’s subtle and easy to miss, and other times it’s very obvious when you step back and really look at how your horse chooses to stand at rest.
A horse will often stand camped under because they’re trying to find relief or stability somewhere in their body. Tight or sore muscles through the topline, back, or hamstrings, discomfort in the hocks or stifles, weakness in the core, or even pain coming from the hooves can all play a role. I also see this when the thoracic sling isn’t functioning well. The thoracic sling is the group of muscles that suspend the ribcage between the front legs. When it’s weak, restricted, or fatigued, the horse may drop through the chest and shift more weight onto the forehand. To compensate, they often bring the hind legs further underneath themselves in an attempt to rebalance.
Over time, this posture can have a big impact on the body. Standing camped under changes how the pelvis sits, increases strain on the lumbar spine, and often leads to overworked hind end muscles that never truly get a chance to relax. At the same time, a collapsed or under-functioning thoracic sling can limit shoulder freedom and reduce the horse’s ability to lift through the withers. All of this affects balance, stride quality, and how easily the horse can move with softness and power.
If you’re noticing this in your horse, start by paying attention to the basics. Look at their hoof balance and trimming cycle, and make sure they’re not overdue or uncomfortable in their feet. Supporting correct posture through thoughtful strengthening work, especially exercises that help lift the ribcage and activate the thoracic sling, can also make a big difference. Most importantly, don’t ignore what your horse is showing you. Posture is communication.
If you’re seeing your horse stand camped under and you’re not sure why, I’d love to help you get to the root of it. Feel free to reach out to book a bodywork session, and together we can support better posture, comfort, and movement for your horse.
