How to Stretch a Horse

Horses benefit from stretching prior to exercise. Even a horse that does not train intensely or compete in equestrian sports might have to carry a rider on his back for long distances on a trail ride. Stretching helps prevent injury by loosening muscles and increasing blood flow to the muscles that get a workout. Stretching can also reduce muscle and joint stiffness in geriatric horses.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Stretch a Standing Horse

1. Groom you horse first. The rubbing and brushing act like a light massage and start the muscles relaxing. Grooming also allows your horse to settle into being handled.
2. Lift one front leg and bend the knee. Raise the bent knee up in front of the horse. Move around to the front and slowly extend the foreleg out to straighten the knee. Hold for a few seconds and then slowly fold the leg back and place the foot on the ground. Repeat with the other front leg.
3. Pick up a hind foot and fold it up under the horse's belly. Keeping the leg in line with the hip joint, slowly extend the leg backward until nearly straight. Hold this position for a few seconds and then slowly return the leg to the normal position and place the foot on the ground. Repeat for the other hind leg.
4. Add some massage. Use your fists and knuckles to massage the large muscles in the hind quarters and upper hind legs. Do the same for the shoulders. Gently massage the ears and face to promote relaxation.

Stretch a Moving Horse

5. Perform carrot stretches. Holding your horse in a halter and lead or by the reins of his bridle, stand to one side just behind his shoulder and show him a treat such as a bit of carrot. He will turn his head around toward the treat, stretching his neck as he does so. Repeat this on the other side. Do a few on each side.
6. Stretch the horse while he walks in a small circle around you. Hold the reins of his bridle in one hand and stand beside him about where the saddle sits. Hold a dressage whip in the other hand pointing down toward his lower hind leg nearest you. Step toward the horse encouraging him to move forward and to the side in a curve around you. He should begin to step under his body with the inside front leg, crossing it in front of the outside hind leg. Repeat this from the other side.
7. Work the horse on a lunge line or in a round pen. Groundwork like this loosens up and stretches the horse prior to ridden work. Watch for the horse to lower his head while working. This is an indication that he is relaxed and stretching out.
8. Encourage the horse to stretch his neck forward and down from time to time during your ride. Raise your reins to produce a light contact on the horse's mouth. As he draws his head forward against this pressure, let the reins slide through your fingers. The horse will learn to "chew" the reins through your hands as he stretches his neck downward.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to gradually introduce your horse to these stretches by just going part way at first.
• If your horse wants to turn his whole body around during the carrot stretches, stand him along side a fence or the arena rail to do them until he learns what you want.
• During all of these exercises be very careful to avoid getting kicked. Position yourself close to the horse's body during the standing stretches. Make sure he is comfortable with the presence of the dressage whip before trying the stretches on a moving circle.