Why Should You Stretch Your Horse?
Something that isn’t done nearly enough in the horse world… STRETCHING! Whether it’s not seen as a necessity, there’s “not enough time” for it, the horse is healthy, whatever the argument, it’s something I wish I saw happening more. So, let’s talk about why you should be stretching your horse.
Will it make them an olympic athlete? Probably not. But it’ll help them feel and move better, and who doesn’t want that for their horse?
Why should you stretch your horse?
Improves flexibility and range of motion (ROM)
Reduces risk of injury (when done properly)
Enhances recovery
Improves muscle health
Increases circulation and relaxation
Helps you pinpoint imbalances and asymmetries
Improves joint health (as a secondary to muscular health)
Honestly, not a single horse owner can read through that list and NOT relate to something! Stretching is not a luxurious addition to a horse’s routine, it is a key component of physical health and performance. I have seen stretching routines help older retired pasture puffs move with less stiffness, young performance horses jump better, dressage horses improve movement, and injured horses recover faster.
I understand we’re all short on time! We have places to be, work to do, multiple horses to ride, kids to get to, whatever the case may be; but adding stretches into your horse’s routine doesn’t have to take much time at all! Stretching is something that can be incorporated in pieces throughout the week with your horse. Rather than adding a whole entire routine on top of your routine, start small! You can add one stretch per barn visit and rotate through!
Many of us at some point were taught to “pull legs” before riding. It was thought to remove wrinkles under the girth so that there wouldn’t be pinching when you get on. The lie detector test determined that was a lie (I probably aged myself with that one, but it’s fine). Truthfully, there is a time to stretch, and there is a time NOT to stretch. And hyperextension of the forelegs in the name of removing wrinkles BEFORE riding is NOT the time to do it… So, when should stretching be done?
Stretching should be done when your horse is warmed-up
This doesn’t mean you have to ride before you stretch them, but it does mean that their muscles shouldn’t be “cold” - you want them to have been moving and kicking up circulation beforehand. Stretching cold muscles can cause tears, strains, and discomfort! No one wants to hurt their horses. In order to warm your horse up for stretches without riding, you can:
Hand-walk them for 10 minutes - this doesn’t mean let them graze for 10 minutes! It means get a good walk going, and walk your oversized puppy.
If you’ve just brought them in from the field on a hot summer’s day, give them a really good groom. I’m talking elbow grease with the curry comb. Don’t skip the legs!
Groundwork for at least 10 minutes - work your horse on the ground - bonus points if you use ground poles!
Long-line or lunge
If you’re looking for stretches that will help your horse move and feel better, along with some guidance on timing, incorporating, and “why,” tap the link to download my FREE stretching guide! It contains four stretches that I most often recommend to my clients, with photos and descriptions of each.