The topline is a term used for the part of a horse’s body that is located above the croup and between the shoulder blades. The topline is a critical area because it supports the weight of the horse’s head, neck, shoulders, and forelegs. In addition, the topline is also responsible for maintaining proper balance. The topline also helps keep the horse’s back straight, which reduces the risk of injury. An older horse can be given a higher-protein diet to help improve their ability to maintain their topline. A horse will obtain its protein needs by eating hay or natural pasture, but extra protein enhances their muscle development and overall performance. It's recommended that you provide your senior horse with protein supplements that can be bought in any feed store.