Everything You Need To Know About Horses

Simple Horse Stretches

Just as you’d stretch your muscles before and after exercise to help prevent injury, it’s a good idea to do the same for your horse, especially if he’s just beginning a conditioining program after an extended break and is a bit sore. Stretching is also an effective diagnostic tool to detect muscle or joint pain that may not have been apparent before.

Here’s how to stretch your horse’s front and hind legs, and his neck.

Warning: If your horse resists a stretch, or appears unsound when you release it, STOP, and call your vet. You may’ve uncovered a joint problem.

Begin by stretching your horse’s front limbs.

Stand to the side of your horse’s left shoulder, facing forward. Bend over and gently grasp the back of his fetlock with your right hand to encourage him to lift his foot. The instant he does, place your left hand on the front of his cannon bone for extra support, and rotate your right hand around to the front of his fetlock to support his leg.

To stretch the front of his leg, slowly and gently flex his lower leg until you feel the slightest muscle resistance. Hold his leg stationary for 5 to 10 seconds. Gradually flex his lower leg back a bit more to increase the stretch, and hold. Repeat this stretching sequence a couple more times on that leg, them move to his opposite front leg. Over time, his flexibility will gradually increase. If your horse shows resistance or pain, such as pulling his foot away, ease your stretch and slowly begin again.

Next, stretch the back of your horse’s leg.

Stand to his left, at a three quarter angle to his shoulder. Gently grasp his lower leg with your right hand, just below the back of his knee. Place your left hand on top of his forearm for support. Slowly and gradually lift his leg up and forward until you feel the slightest muscle tension. Hold the stretch for 5 to 10 seconds. Left his leg a couple more times, gradually increasing the stretch each time and holding between repetitions.

When your horse’s upper leg is parallel to the ground, hold his leg with your left hand as you gently slide your right hand down his lower leg, extending it forward, while keeping his entire leg elevated. Do this gradually, holding each stretch for 5 seconds. Over time, you’ll be able to stretch your horse’s leg straight. Reverse these instructions, and repeat on his opposite front leg.

Now, stretch your horse’s back legs.

To stretch his left hind limb, stand opposite his barrel, facing his hindquarters. Gently pick up his left foot with your right hand using the method outlined about. Flex his leg until you feel muscle tension. Hold that position for 5 to 10 seconds. Gradually increase the stretch a couple more times, holding his leg stationary between repetitions. Proceed to the opposite hind leg.

Finish by stretching your horse’s neck.

Stand to one side of his neck. Gently bend his neck toward you by applying lateral (side) pressure on the lead rope. At first, ask him to flex only an inch or so, and hold. repeat a couple more times, gradually increasining the flexion. Once you’ve stretched one side of your horse’s neck, switch sides and repeat in the other direction.