Improving muscle from the ground

Since this weather is being gay and unpredictable I have been unable to ride Buzz for a while. I still feed him and see him every day, but I was trying to keep to a schedule to build his muscle up, unfortunatley it hasnt happened.
Anyway I was wondering if there were any exercise you can do from the ground to help improve the hindquaters.
Or any beneficial exercises.
I already do carrot stretches with him for his neck but I don't really know what to do for the backend that can be done on the ground.
Well fire away with suggestions :)

I know what you mean! It's been raining for about four days straight. The one time that I chanced going out I got drenched -_-
I'm not aware of any muscle-targeting exercises you can do from the ground. If there are any I'd love to know them for exactly the same reason! If you want to build muscle up, you'll need to work him (which is hard in this weather, I know). Just like with humans, it's very hard to build muscle without physical exertion. You may just have to brave the weather... Lunging him, combined with a high protein diet (Obviously, you'll have to find something that suits him and the amount of work he's in. Some of the horses at my barn get Muscle XL added to their feeds) and some hill work (if that's available to you) will help.
Building flexibility is a different thing. You've got the right idea with the neck stretches, but that doesn't really build up much muscle.

So I may just have to brave the weather mmm I think it may be clearing up tomorrow... hopefully

I am in desperate need of some advice... Long story but the jist is I have a 16 y/o daughter who has been riding since she was 6 y/o who was in a horrible car accident that has left her with a long physical and emotional recovery. She was given a horse that she absolutely adores and was a huge instrument in her emotional recovery and hopefully her physical recovery. The problem is I am learning everything about caring for this horse and am a novice. Plus I don't ride other that a nose to tail trail ride. Stormy, aka Monster as she calls him is a 5 y/o TB who was bred to race, has minimal ground manners (has been learning quickly) He adores Taylor and seems to prefer her to anyone (I rate second) they have one of those bonds that puts Black Beauty and Flicka to shame. The problem is that Taylors legs were crushed in the accident, she is walking and able to ride for short periods (she has fallen twice because of the lack of muscle in her recovering legs...we are only 7 months out, she has rods and plates the works) She has minimal endurance (more than expected, I was told she would never ride again) She is developing a fear of falling and doing more damage (me too) BUT!!!! He needs to be worked. He is getting flabby and I want him to be as healthy as possible so he is around for a long time for her and I would love for him to be ready when she is. How can I do this from the ground? I am willing to get on him but I know nothing, she is teaching me and I have learned a lot but I don't want to do more harm than good. I would love to hire a trainer but I can not afford it with all of the medical bills pilling up. I am so desperate to make this work for Taylor and Monster. OH yes! He also has a hip (knee) click that I have been running him up and down a small hill at the barn, which seem to have improved right now. (yes I run, he trots, lol) Are there any books I can read about training him, I do have a set of parelli videos I have only got through the first one but it was more about desensitizing the horse. I have done join up with him and we have a mutual love for each other so he has let me into the herd (lol). PLEASE ANY AND ALL SUGGESTIONS WILL BE TRIALED.

Barnmum, I would suggest you start your own thread rather than hijack this one :)

RedTree and Pinto I totally sympathise with you!! We tend to get your weather 2-3 days after you. It rained the whole weekend and then on Tuesday and Wednesday as well. Luckily today was dry for my lesson but VERY VERY cold, I think it was only about 3 degrees!

Anyway to build muscle, or atleast try to keep it, from the ground I would try things like side passing, backing up, turns on the forehand, turns on the haunches, trotting over poles and cavaletti, lunging, free jumping or lunging over jumps, it will never be as good as a good long ride up a hill but it will help a little.

Longeing with side reins!!! It does wonders for a horse's topline. But don't longe for long periods of time every day, because going in a circle for a long time does put strain on the horse's tendons. Don't forget wraps or light tendon boots :)

The weather was gay? Thanks..

Backing is the best thing I know for building muscle from the ground.

Apoligies....thought this was the best forum to get information from experienced people. I will look for another one, my intention was not to hijack

Barnmum, this is a great forum to get advice on the kinds of issues you are having, I was just suggesting that you would get more replies if you start your own thread. To do that there is a little box at the top of the training forum page on the left hand side that says start new thread, click on that and then you can write your questions and people will reply. I hope I didn't offend you, just trying to be helpful.