20/09/2023
🐴 Stretching - what is it and why do we do it? 🐴
Stretching is a vital tool for any horse owner/Rider. As a rider and an owner myself my horses get stretched everyday. As horses get older you will find they get stiffer and therefore stretching them before/during and after excercise will benefit them in every single way possible!
To remain supple the connective tissues and muscle fibres need regular stretching. Stretching helps prevent this shortening and tightening of fibres. Stretching helps to improve circulation, range of motion, and overall health of your horse's muscles, while also decreasing muscle soreness and fatigue.
A few stretches I love to do with my boy:
🔥 Chin to Chest: Bring the horses chin to his chest but not in a way that he’s behind the vertical. Get your horse to drop his head and bring it in towards his chest.
🔥 Floor stretch: encourage your horse to drop his head to the floor as you would when riding (this can be done under saddle!) and get him to stretch his neck out.
🔥Neck stretch between front legs: using a treat or a carrot encourage your horse to bring its head between its front legs.
🔥Side stretch: standing behind your horses front leg (this can be done both sides!) encourage your horse to bring its head to his stifle area (if your horse is stiff introduce this slowly as they won’t be able to stretch the whole way first time if they are stiff or sore!)
🔥 Front legs: Lifting your horses front leg pull it out gently and rotate the leg in a circle (Do not raise the leg too much as this can over stress the joint/Elbow!)
🔥Hind legs: Keeping the foot low gently pull the leg back (not too much just a couple of inches!) then gently pull forward keeping the leg low!
🔥 Tummy tucks: With your fingernails apply firm direct pressure under the belly on midline to get the horse to round its back and lift. These are his “crunches” used to tone his abdominals. This exercise also helps warm up his back. Do this about two or three times, as long as the horse is comfortable. Do not startle the horse, and watch the horse’s hind legs, sometimes they mistake your blunt object as an annoying fly and will try to kick at you! Be safe!
🔥Butt tucks: Quietly stand on the side of the horse next to the hind leg in a safe spot. Place each hand on either side of the rump about a hand’s width (approx. 4 inches) off of the top midline. Again using your fingernails and apply even pressure as you move down the horse’s rump and end up in the muscle groove on the back of the hindquarters. Your horse should round and lift its back, flexing the lumbosacral area. Again do not startle the horse and watch those hind legs! Be Safe!
Here is a 4 year old that is finally learning to stretch and relax his muscles under the saddle. He hasn’t done any stretches off riding yet but we will slowly introduce them to reduce the stiffness in his neck which will then help him in the aid of bending and flexing correctly.
In summary, creating a tailored stretching program for your horse can increase their flexibility and may prevent injuries. You should consult with your equine health professional before you start a program because improper stretches can make a previous injury worse. Safety of the horse and the handler must be taken into consideration. A 10 minute stretching program each day will create a unique bond between you and your horse as you work towards improving their health and performance.
