Important Note:
Always ensure that the horse is adequately warmed up before commencing stretching exercises or you may damage muscle tissue.
Shoulders / Withers
The stretching exercise illustrated below is very useful for mobilising the shoulder and withers area. It is also a good stetch to use before fitting the saddle for example.
- Draw the foreleg forward by supporting the fetlock - not the hoof.
- Work within a comfortable range for the horse - do not overstretch.
- Keep the leg at approximately knee height.
- Do not allow the horse to lean/pull. If so, start the stretch again.
- Repeat the stretch at least 3-5 times.
- Hold each repeat for at least 10-20 seconds.
- On each repeat, draw the stretch a little further. Gently lower leg.
Hindquarters / Hamstrings
The stretching exercise illustrated below is very useful for stretching the hindquarters and hamstrings and can facilitate greater use of the hindquarters.
- Draw the hindleg forward by supporting the hoof - not the fetlock.
- Keep the leg at approximately knee height.
- Do not allow the horse to lean/pull. If so, start the stretch again.
- Aim to reach the back of the knee on the foreleg.
- Most horses do not reach this range initially - start gently.
- Work within a comfortable range for the horse - do not overstretch.
- Repeat the stretch at least 3-5 times.
- Hold each repeat for at least 10-20 seconds.
- On each repeat, draw the stretch a little further. Gently lower leg.
Neck / Back
The stretching exercise illustrated below is very useful for mobilising the neck and shoulders and stretching the long muscles of the back.
- Get horse to stand square.
- Encourage the horse to bend using a treat e.g. carrot.
- Aim to reach an area between the point of the hip and the stifle.
- Most horses do not reach this range initially - start gently.
- Work within a comfortable range for the horse - do not overstretch.
- Repeat the stretch at least 3-5 times on each side.
- Hold each repeat for at least 10-20 seconds.
- On each repeat, draw the stretch a little further.
These are 3 examples of a series of stretching exercises that have been developed for equine athletes under my care. Should you have any queries concerning these or the use of other stretches please feel free to contact me via the e-mail address provided in the contacts page.