Stretching will help keep your horse in good physical condition and prepare it for more strenuous training and walks. Keep your horse fit and practice these stretching techniques regularly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Neck Stretch
Step 1. Prepare your horse
Move to an open area where the horse can have room to move. Get food that the horse may like: carrots, thanks to their length, are an excellent choice.
Step 2. Stand just behind the horse's front legs
The following stretches should be done on both sides of the horse and from a position parallel to or just behind the front legs.
Step 3. Use the food to pull the horse's head down
Hold the food close to the horse's head to let him notice and then cause him to stretch by moving the food down to the fetlock. Try to have him hold this stretch for 10-15 seconds before letting him go and feed him.
If the horse cannot reach the desired position, it starts with a shorter distance and gradually its muscles will adapt
Step 4. Stretch the horse's neck
Take more food and being in the same position attract the attention of the horse and let him bring his head back to the withers. Hold the food just below his shoulder for at least 10-15 seconds. Then release the pressure and feed him.
Step 5. Stretch the crotch top line
Using other food or the rest of the carrot, bring the horse's neck down and between the legs. Instead of stretching towards the outside of the fetlock, bring it inside and hold the position for 10-15 seconds. Loosen the stretch and repay the horse with food.
Step 6. Repeat the stretches on both sides
To prevent the horse from becoming out of proportion and out of shape, be sure to repeat on both sides. Follow the directions above to stretch down and back to both left and right.
Method 2 of 3: Leg Stretch
Step 1. Stretching of the front legs
Stand to the side of the horse and have him lift one of his front legs. Pull it forward so that it is fully extended without having the knee bent and the hoof held close to the ground. Hold the paw in this position for 10-15 seconds or as long as the horse resists.
Step 2. Shoulder Stretch
Still to the side of the horse and have him lift one of his front legs. Take it and bring it forward keeping the knee slightly bent. Then hold the paw just below the knee and lift it up until it is at a 90 degree angle, while the lower half of the paw is free to move. Rotate the paw in a circular manner 3-5 times in the direction of the other paw.
Step 3. Stretching the hind leg backwards
Go to the back of the horse and stand in front of one of the legs. Have the horse lift one leg and keep the hoof extended out (as if you were grabbing it). Hold the lower half of the paw and slowly and stretch it back and forth. Hold this stretch for 10-15 seconds.
Step 4. Forward stretch of the hind leg
Raise one leg and grab it just below the knee. Pull the leg a little forward and slightly diagonally without losing the bend of the knee. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds and slowly bring the horse's leg back to the resting position.
Method 3 of 3: Back Stretch
Step 1. Stretch the back and hips
Stand behind and to the side of the horse, close to the body to avoid any kicks. Starting from the top, at the attachment of the tail on the back, scratch the muscles on the sides of the tail / spine, about 10 centimeters from the center. Scratch down until the horse lifts the hips / back and tilts the head back. Hold the pressure for 20-30 seconds to maintain the stretch and then release.
Step 2. Back and belly stretch
It is like doing the crunch exercise for a horse, standing on the side of the animal and tickling the bottom of the belly near where the strap would go. Continue tickling / pressing until the horse responds by lifting his back. Hold for 10 seconds, then move further down towards your stomach to stretch your entire upper line.
Step 3. Lower Back Stretch
Stand to the side of one of the hind legs and have the horse lift it. Grab the hoof and extend the paw forward as you lift it slightly. Pull the paw forward so that the toe of the hoof touches the back of the knee of the foreleg on the same side. Hold for a few seconds and then slowly return to the starting position.
Advice
- Stretching is easier if the horse is already warm, so walk for 5-10 minutes before you start for best results.
- Remember to repeat each stretch on each side.
Warnings
- Before starting, talk to your veterinarian or trainer as you could cause serious muscle damage if stretching is done incorrectly.
- If you feel uncomfortable doing these exercises on your own, ask someone who is experienced in horse stretching for help.
