SIMPLE EXERCISES FOR YOUR HORSE
These dynamic stretches, also known as 'baited stretches', have been shown to help promote your horses flexibility and strengthen the muscles along its back when carried out 3-5 times per week.
It is sensible to start the exercises with a smaller range of movement, rather than expecting a full stretch early on, and build up the distance that your horse stretches and the length of time you ask them to hold the stretch. Work towards performing each stretch 3 times, holding the stretch from between 5- 15 seconds at a time.
Stretches are best done after work when your horse is warm.
Use a long carrot and gloves to protect your hands.
Try to start with your horse standing square, in its stable or side-on to a wall, to discourage the horse from stepping their hindquarters around.
You may use a hand to guide your horses head around but never push them into a forced position.
Most horses are quick learners, and will pick the stretches up quickly. For horses that are not very motivated by food, try to use their favourite treat and perform the stretches before you give them their feed.
PLEASE NOTE:
It is possible that some of these exercises may aggravate some underlying conditions. Therefore it is important that the exercises are only carried out once they have been prescribed by a qualified veterinary physiotherapist who has already assessed your horse.
LATERAL FLEXION (SIDE STRETCH)
This stretch encourages flexibility of the neck and back and engagement of the external obliques, muscles that make up part of the abdominals. It also encourages muscle release on the opposite side to the stretch.
Start with the horse standing square, in its stable or side-on to a wall, and hold the lead rope in your free hand.
With a long carrot (and wearing gloves), tempt your horse to look around to its side and reach for the treat.
Try to hold the stretch for 5 seconds and build up to 15 seconds over time.
Gradually build up the distance that the horse stretches over a few weeks, aiming towards the stifle or hock.
CERVICOTHORACIC FLEXION
(BETWEEN THE KNEES)
This stretch encourages a general stretch through the spinal muscles and joints, encouraging engagement of the chest and abdominal muscles and encourages 'lift' at the thoracic spine (where the saddle sits). This mobility and strength is important to support the rider and enable the horse to work 'correctly'.
Start with the horse standing square, in its stable or side-on a a wall. Hold the lead rope in your free hand.
Using a long carrot (and wearing gloves), tempt your horse to look down towards the floor and then reach its nose between its knees.
Aim to hold the stretch for 5 seconds, building up to 15 seconds.
As your horse becomes more accustomed to the exercise you can ask him or her to stretch further, between the fetlocks.
NOTE: Bending at the knee, like a bow, is cheating! Try to discourage this by reducing the distance of the stretch, and only giving the carrot when the knees are straight.
CERVICAL EXTENSION (LOOKING UP)
Horses can get tight under the neck and throat. This stretch aims to encourage movement at the upper cervical spine (near the poll) and release tight muscles at the base of the neck.
Start with the horse standing square, in its stable or side-on a a wall. Hold the lead rope in your free hand.
Holding a long carrot (and wearing gloves), tempt your horse to reach forward and up for the carrot.
Hold the stretch for 5 seconds, building up to around 15 seconds over time.
NOTE: If your horse continually tries to step forwards towards the carrot, you can try the stretch over the stable door.
However, if you are consistent with your cues you should find that your horse learns quickly to reach forward and not step forward for the carrot.