Horse Stretching Sequence

*****Warning: Never Stretch Cold Muscles & Use this at your own risk!******

This is the stretching sequence that I use on my horse after I lunge him out. As you watch, you'll see nice low head, licking, chewing and soft eyes. Never stretch your horse beyond the point of tension and don't force them to do something they are not comfortable with, build trust first. Always stretch on both sides for balance. Give them a moment to relax inbetween stretches.

The first stretch is the neck stretch, have you horse touch his shoulder with his nose and hold for a three count. When you are starting, work them up to the full slow 3 count. Note how I stand and hold his withers to keep him in place.

For the foreleg stretch, be sure to support the leg. Have the horse pick up his foot and then place your hands like on the video and stretch the bent leg back, hold for 3 to 5 count. Then bring the leg forward and down, still supporting. Place the foot gently on the ground, do not drop them. Give them a rub on the foreleg as praise. (my horse is licking me in an attempt to mutual groom - gross but sweet)

When lifting the back & working the stomach muscles (excellent for swaybacks), reach underneath and find their centerline, then come back towards you two inches. Curve and stiffen your fingers (use your pads, not nails!) like you're lifting something and "lift" straight up, looking out over their back. Hold for a 3 count. Again be carefull, some horses are very belly sensitive, work them up to this - you can start by rubbing and stratching their belly - especially in the spring time!

Back leg stretch, ask the horse to lift his foot, support and bring it forward to the point of tension. Hold for a 3-5 count. Then bring the foot straight back, holding the hoof so the horse feels confident. Again work them up to a 3 to 5 count, gently placing the foot back on the ground. Rub their gaskin as praise.

Pelvic stretch is great, but again, only with a horse you trust. Find the line on the back of the leg, follow it up halfway between the true hip joint and the tail head. Press your thumbs in until the horse rocks their pelvis up. Hold for a three count - again work your horse up to this. Give the tailhead a scratch as praise.

Tail/spine stretch may require some practice. Wrap their tail around you hand, placing you other hand at the point of the hip for support. Pull gently and then let the horse square up, repeat 3 times on each side. This is like a mini-adjustment for their spine. Again, get your horse used to being handled like this before attempting.

If you find yourself getting frustrated or rushing - stop. It is absolutely imperative that you are calm and relaxed to do this - your horse will pick up ANY tension you're carrying. Play soft music, be in a quiet place, whatever it takes. This is a wonderful way to give your horse something back for all the great things they give us.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• horse
• stretch
• exercise
• equine rehab
• instructions
• stretching
• stretches

[kfletchable]

Great video, and would you happen to be boarding out in hudson, CO? not to be creeperish, but I used to board where there was an arena that looks exactly like that.

[kemurphy00]

@kfletchable Lol, no this was MN. Many of the coveralls are like this one. Glad you like the video!

[thefancifiddlist]

Thanks! Good to see how far to stretch out. Its so funny when he's licking your arm :) Like a dog. 'thanks mom.. this feels soo good' ~ lol

[kemurphy00]

Yeah, he does that as a form of mutual grooming. I would much prefer the stiff nose rubbing, . . . . massages from your horse are the best!

[PeteWentzPlease72]

i dont think the stretching would work on my horse but i would kill to have an arena the size of yours(:

[kemurphy00]

Why don't you think stretching would work? Is it a matter of training or health issues? The first can be worked through and the second, maybe we can find a modification. This is not my arena, I board my horse, but yes, we LOVE LOVE LOVE the coverall - its bright and warm even on the gloomiest cold day. (good for living in the North!)

[dabudans]

Thank you!! 

[kaghunter]

I liked seeing the stretches done in a logical sequence. And the music is awesome!

[horsemadnessa]

this video is great! My mare gets tense in the back and i have being told to try stretches with her to loosen her up etc, so now i know how it should be done i can give it a careful go :)

[Ahrihliir]

Thanks for the informative video! What I love most about it is how obviously comfortable and trusting your horse is. :)

[PeteWentzPlease72]

my horse just got diognosed with scoliosis in his spine and the doctor said not to bend him to much anymore until he gets a certain shot in november.