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Equestrian Competitor, Equiband Fitness Coach, and Mental Toughness Leader
Tuesday, October 08, 2024
The Benefits and Routine of Stretching Your Horse
Today, I'm excited to share a crucial aspect of my horse's training and rehabilitation routine: stretching. As someone who was a gymnast for 15 years, I understand the importance of flexibility and muscle development, and I'm here to show you how this translates to our equine companions.
Why Stretch Your Horse?
You might wonder, "Why should I stretch my horse?"
The answer is simple: stretching not only aids in muscle development but also enhances muscle recovery. Over the past five months of consistently stretching my horse Fuego a few times a week, I've seen remarkable improvements.
Here's why stretching is beneficial:
Muscle Development:
Stretching helps build muscle by increasing the range of motion and flexibility, allowing for more effective and powerful movements.
Muscle Recovery:
Post-exercise stretching aids in muscle recovery, reducing stiffness and soreness.
Improved Performance:
Knowing your horse's flexibility limits helps you understand their strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to tailor your training sessions for better performance.
Enhanced Communication:
tretching on the ground fosters a form of communication with your horse, helping you understand their physical condition without the interference of riding equipment.
My Stretching Routine
Let's dive into the stretching routine I use for Fuego. This routine has become a staple in our training, and I recommend committing to it for at least 30 days to see noticeable improvements.
What You'll Need
- 3-4 Carrots: These will be broken into ten pieces for the stretches.
- Hoof Pick or Sharpie: This will be used for specific stretches to stimulate muscle engagement.
The Stretches
Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds. It won't be perfect, so do the best you can and encourage your horse with carrots to continue to stretch how you want.
Forward Stretches
- Nose to Chest: Break a carrot into three pieces. Hold the carrot close to your horse's chest and encourage them to reach for it. Count to ten.
- Nose to Knees: Place your hand between your horse's knees and use a carrot piece to guide their nose down. Count to ten.
- Nose to Ground: Encourage your horse to reach their nose to the ground. This is typically the least flexible stretch, but persistence will yield results.
Lateral Stretches
- Nose to Girth: Start with the left side. Hold a carrot piece near the girth area and guide your horse's nose towards it. Count to ten. Repeat on the right side.
- Nose to Hip Bone: Guide your horse's nose to their hip bone using a carrot piece. Count to ten on each side.
- Hind Leg Lift with Nose Reach: Lift your horse's hind leg and guide their nose to reach around and touch it. This stretch may take some time for your horse to understand, but practice makes perfect.
Flex Stretches
- Underbelly Stretch: Use the blunt end of a Sharpie or hoof pick to lightly stimulate the underbelly, encouraging your horse to flex their abdominal muscles.
- Back and Butt Stretch: Place your hand on your horse's back where the saddle would sit and use the Sharpie or hoof pick to stimulate their butt muscles, encouraging a flexing motion.
Tips for Effective Stretching
- Be Patient: Stretching is a gradual process. Your horse might not be very flexible initially, but consistency will yield improvements.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Carrots are a great incentive, but ensure your horse understands that stretching, not just the treat, is the goal.
- Discipline When Necessary: If your horse becomes too aggressive or tries to nip at the carrot, remind them that this behavior is unacceptable.
- Balance Both Sides: Ensure you perform stretches evenly on both sides to maintain balanced muscle development and flexibility.
- Downloadable Audio Guide: To help you perform these stretches at home, I've created an audio guide. You can download it from the link in the description, put on your headphones, and follow along without needing to watch a video or refer to written instructions.
Conclusion
Incorporating stretching into your horse's routine can significantly impact their muscle development, recovery, and overall performance. Fuego and I have benefited immensely from this practice, and I encourage you to try it with your horse.
Remember, the first few sessions might not be perfect, but persistence pays off.
Thank you for being a part of #TeamFuego, and I'll see you in the next video. Happy stretching!
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Getting Started with the equiband?
You don't have to do this alone!
Unlock your horse's full potential with our comprehensive Equiband eBook! Designed to guide you through the steps of getting started and using the Equiband. This eBook offers detailed instructions, expert tips, and practical advice to help you achieve the best results. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to enhance your current program, our eBook simplifies the process, ensuring you can measure, track, and adjust for optimal performance —our Equiband eBook is your ultimate tool for success!.
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Hi, I Am Alyssa Schaefer
Amateur Professional Top Level Three Day Eventer
Welcome to my equestrian journey! When I was a teenager I faced the ultimate question, "How bad do you want to ride horses?" After unexpectedly facing financial independence with my horse, I chose to pursue my passion for the love of riding, despite the overwhelming challenges. In 2020 after another setback, I launched the Equi-Course Bootcamp, blending my horse injury experience with online education. In 2022, my horse, Fuego, achieved 4th place in a CCI3*** event, cementing the ultimate comeback story! In 2025, we aspire to tackle Advanced. Join me as we navigate the highs and lows of equestrian sport together!
Always remember, trust your journey! 🤠
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Find Your Equestrian Community
Find Your Equestrian Community