Physiotherapy has long been shown to offer many benefits to horses. One of the main long-term effects of stretching is an increase in overall flexibility.
“When you make stretching a habit, you slowly stretch out the connective tissues,” explains veterinary physiotherapist Hayley Marsh.
“Over time, this lengthens the tissues, improving the range of motion in the joints and the overall ability to move.
“Stretching these muscles and connective tissues also helps relieve muscle stiffness and reduces the risk of joint degeneration.”
Below are two stretch exercises from Hayley Marsh that you can do at home with your horse.
Stretch 1: Foreleg and hindleg
Pick up your horse’s foreleg and, with both hands on the fetlock, ease the leg forwards towards your horse’s nose and hold for 10 seconds.
For the hindleg stretch, gently ease the hindleg forwards towards the foreleg and hold for 10 seconds.
Start these exercises low to the ground. Then, as your horse becomes more supple to the movement, you can ask for more range.
Stretch 2: Carrot stretches (for back, abdominals and neck)
Using a carrot, persuade your horse to bring their head down between the front legs.
Encourage them to stretch as far as is comfortable and hold the stretch for 10 seconds.
Next, stand with your back to your horse’s shoulder and ask them to bend their head and neck around you.
Ideally, their head should stay vertical.
Aim for the direction of the back fetlock.
The goal is to achieve a smooth stretch, not a snatch, and hold it for 10 seconds. Repeat on both sides.
Top tips
- Don’t force your horse into a stretch, only guide.
- Stretching should be done when your horse is warm.
- Don’t stretch your horse while they are tied up.
- Make sure they are standing on secure footing to prevent any slipping.
