{"id":90783,"date":"2022-07-25T11:53:19","date_gmt":"2022-07-25T09:53:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antares-sellier.com\/?p=90783"},"modified":"2022-08-05T16:08:57","modified_gmt":"2022-08-05T14:08:57","slug":"horse-stretching","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antares-sellier.com\/en\/2022\/07\/25\/horse-stretching\/","title":{"rendered":"Stretching: What stretching exercises can do with your horse?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You probably hear the term stretching exercises quite often. A stretching session is perfect to help a horse recover after a workout (and let’s be honest, for the rider too) and highly recommended<\/strong> for many reasons. It helps improve balance or working in comfort, and so on but what’s really behind the term “stretching”? What exercises should you do with your horse? When? We’ll answer all these questions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is stretching when it comes to horses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stretching flexes the muscles laterally and lengthwise<\/strong>. The aim is to work on your horse’s posture in a relaxed manner. Your horse must be positioned low enough to see its natural balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stretching exercises are not meant to build up your horse’s muscles<\/strong>. While muscle-building does require muscle contractions, this doesn’t always apply to stretching. It all depends on what types of exercises you want to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never forget about impetus when you do your exercises. Although stretching exercises are done when the body is more relaxed and sometimes at a slower pace, the key is keeping the hind quarters engaged<\/strong>. Your horse must remain active and responsive, so don’t confuse stretching with slackness or laxity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In theory, stretching can therefore suit all horses. That said, bear in mind your horse’s physical condition<\/strong> and the point it has reached when working out.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Does stretching suit all horses?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, if the exercises are properly done, they do suit all horses. Stretching helps competition horses to perfect their posture and improve performance. It also provides comfort or soothes specific pains for older horses, or those in physiotherapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When should I plan a stretching session?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For competition horses<\/strong>, a stretching session is the perfect thing to do the day after an event<\/strong>. It drastically reduces aches brought on by competing the day before. Yet, stretching exercises are also great to do before or after a workout or event<\/strong>. Done beforehand, they help your horse keep its topline firm and to work better. This way, it’s ready for the workout to come. After a workout or event, stretching exercises help your horse to recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should be plan stretching sessions regularly for older horses<\/strong>. They help (early) retired horses keep fit and healthy and in good shape generally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, given current events, stretching is ideal for hot summer days<\/strong>. It takes less out of your horse, so keeping them fit and healthy when they do work out. If you want more tips on to provide your horse with some relief during heatwaves, take a look at our article on the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I organise a stretching session?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walk your horse first<\/h3>\n\n\n\n


. This is a key stage but often overlooked to save time. Walking your horse to relax it is vital so that it is in the right shape for its stretching session. We suggest, if possible, that you walk your horse outside (ideally) for 15 to 20 minutes<\/strong>. Obviously, your horse’s neck should be horizontal. If your reins are long enough, your horse may well dip his neck towards the ground. This is the perfect position to do some back stretches.

We also stress that walks outside hugely improve the mood of both horse and rider. So, don’t skimp, take the time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another way to start your stretching session<\/h4>\n\n\n\n


If you can’t go outside, attach a lead rope and walk your horse. This should be done with the reins removed so that your horse can move freely and warm up without carrying the weight of a rider on its back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Longitudinal muscle stretches for your horse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Neck stretches<\/h4>\n\n\n\n


A horse cantering or galloping with his head down is a relatively natural posture, yet quite a rare sight in its natural surroundings. Neck stretches have many benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n