.png "TVDM Equestrian"){kind=logo}
Stretching
19.11.19
2 Comments
Stretching consists of some exercises that serve to increase and maintain the elasticity of the
tendons and musculature of the horse so as to make it more flexible and able to withstand
better efforts; to reduce muscle tension and consequently to prevent stretching or
muscle strain and increase the range of movements. Moreover, awareness increases
to be able to do certain movements and therefore to improve his overall coordination.
Stretching decreases tension throughout the horse's body, relaxing both mentally
that physically.
During stretching the horse must be warm, because when it is cold the risk of
causing damage to muscles and ligaments is high. So it can be done after the horse has
worked or after a muscle massage. The same is true for humans: stretching done
after intense muscular work it helps to relax and stretch tired muscles and to give a
general sense of well-being.
The stretching movements involve the limbs, the tail and the neck; they are made in both
directions of the joint so as to lengthen all the muscles responsible for the action and theirs
antagonists.
The movements related to the limbs are quite complicated and it is necessary that he does one
expert person. Some stretching exercises on the horse's neck instead, with some
foresight, even those without experience in the field can do it. They can be made either
sideways and passing the horse's head between the front legs.
The only thing we need to be able to perform them correctly are carrots or biscuits for
draw the horse's attention.
For lateral neck stretching, you need to position yourself to the side of the horse, near your shoulder
and hold a carrot in the hand that is near the horse's body (if you are to his right
you must hold the carrot in your left hand and vice versa).
Showing the horse the carrot, quickly back up until you reach with your hand
hold close to the stifle and hold this position for a few seconds.
Then perform the same movements on the other side of the horse.
This exercise serves to stretch all the muscles of the neck and those of the side.
For the stretching of the head between the legs, you have to stand at the side of the horse at the height
of the front legs and holding a carrot in the middle of the horse's legs, attract the
his attention. Then back away quickly, keeping the carrot very low
touch the ground until you reach just behind the front limbs.
Attention to keep the hand very low otherwise the horse risks getting hurt.
This exercise makes all the muscles of the neck, back and loins stretch.
They are two very simple but very useful exercises as they do not only act on the muscles of the
neck but also on those of the side, back and even loins.
But remember to do them only when the horse is warm, otherwise the risk of stretching is high.
I can only wish you good work.
Leave your comment