Why Stretching Is An Important Part Of Your Horse's Routine

Stretching is vital in your horse's routine to help maintain and improve flexibility and mobility of their muscles and joints. Stretching lengthens the muscles, increasing blood flow, improving circulation and improving posture.

Static stretches are recommended for increasing flexibility and range of motion as they involve the holding of a specific position for a period of time. Static stretches target the muscles and tendons, allowing them to relax and elongate.

Dynamic stretches involve moving the body through a range of motion, typically used as part of a warm-up routine. These help to warm the muscles, increase blood flow, and activate the nervous system.

The ongoing debate of when the ideal time to stretch is continues. Some studies have shown that static stretching before exercise can decrease muscle strength and power, potentially leading to a decrease in performance. However, other studies have shown that static stretching can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury when done after exercise or as a separate routine.

Regular stretching can help prevent muscle imbalances, increase range of motion and improve their overall performance.

• Neck stretches improve flexibility in the spinal column and reduce stiffness

• Leg stretches aid in increasing joint mobility and relieveing tension

• Back stretches promote better posture and balance

It is important to start slowly and be gentle when stretching your horse. It is important to take note of your horse's response and adjust the intensity of the stretch accordingly. Not all stretches will benefit each horse, especially if there are injuries present.

You can learn the correct method of stretching along with the intensity and repetitions suited for your horse from a qualified physiotherapist.