Get Stretchy!

Part 1 of the "How to Help Keep Your Horse Supple' series!

Stretching can be a very useful tool as part of a suppling regime for your horse. The good news is that stretching exercises can be so easy to fit into your daily routine and they can help horses of all ages, disciplines and fitness levels! I'm always surprised at how little stretching exercises are used by horse owners and riders as they can have such huge benefits!

Why should we stretch?!

The main aim of stretching is to move your horses joints and soft tissues through their full range of movement. This can be done either passively (when the handler physically moves the horses limbs/body) or actively (when the horse controls the stretching movement with the guidance of the handler, e.g carrot stretches). A regular stretching routine can have many benefits including:

• Increased suppleness, flexibility & stride length

• Improved range of motion

• Reduced risk of injury

• Improved circulation

• Relief of pain & discomfort

• Reduced muscle tension & stiffness

• Lengthening of shortened, contracted muscles & reduced associated stress on joints

• Strengthening of postural muscles & improved core strength

• Improved co-ordination and proprioception (body awareness)

• Mental & physical relaxation

How to stretch safely!

**Although stretches can be simple exercises to do, it is important to note that stretching can cause harm if done incorrectly! Improper stretching can cause soft tissue damage and discomfort **

To ensure you reduce the risk of injury and to stretch safely there are some rules to follow!

• Joints & tissues must not be stretched when cold or if an acute injury is present.

• Warm the tissues beforehand by either massage or exercise (minimum of 10 minutes walking recommended).

• Ensure your horse is standing on a non-slip surface.

• Don't ask too much! Aim to hold each stretch for 5-15 seconds but if your horse is new to stretching or finds it tricky, aim for a few seconds and try to increase the time gradually as they start to find it easier.

• Don't overstretch! Don't fight your horse or stretch too far, allow them to relax and hold the stretch comfortably.

• Ensure your own body posture is good to avoid injury.

• Aim for 2-3 repetitions of each stretch to ensure maximum benefit.

If you are unsure about carrying out stretches correctly please ask the advice of your therapist! They will show you which stretches will benefit your own horse the most and explain how to use them for maximum benefit.

As part of my physiotherapy assessment and treatment I often prescribe baited stretches for owners to do as part of their homework. This is useful to help keep horses more supple in-between sessions and, if carried out regularly over a period of time, they can help improve a horses overall posture and core strength.

In the next part of the series, I will describe some of the more commonly prescribed baited stretches and show in more detail what they are used to achieve. If you would like any more information or would like to book a session for your horse, please get in touch!