Horse Class Logo Image
Horse Class Horse Image

When our horse feels good physically, they can enjoy the ride too.

The most special part of riding is the connection we create with our horses, and one facet of that connection is helping them feel the best they can.

Riding, even at a basic level, asks a lot from the horse. They weren’t designed to carry weight on their backs for long periods, and long rides at the slower gaits can actually be more physically taxing than a vigorous workout.

There are many things we can do to help our horses feel better, but today I want to share something you can do in 5 minutes, at the end of your ride.

In this week’s video, meet Andrea, Equine Massage Therapist, to learn 3 simple stretches for your horse.

If you are local to us in Eastern Pennsylvania, Click Here to visit Andrea’s website and learn more about Equine Massage.

BETTER RIDING IN 7 DAYS (FREE MINI COURSE)

Daily exercises for an immovable seat, steady hands, and a happier horse

Your information is safe with us, learn how we use and process data in our Privacy Policy.

Better riding in 7 days (FREE Mini Course)

Daily exercises for an immovable seat, steady hands, and a happier horse

Your information is safe with us, learn how we use and process data in our Privacy Policy.

Related Courses

Instructed by: Callie King
Our popular book + video program. Includes 67 Exercises for horse and rider to bring fun and purpose to every ride.
Enrollment is now closed.
Instructed by: Andrea Wady
Learn to create a friendship with your horse. Get to truly know your horse and develop relationship through these unique liberty exercises.
Instructed by: Callie King
Step by Step Instructions to Guide Your Ride - Calm Your Mind, Connect with Your Horse, and Find Your Riding Flow

Related Posts

Lip Blisters and Lesions

This past week, I had three clients notice that their horses were becoming difficult to bridle, and on closer inspection found that the horses lips were raw and irritated, the

Read More
Handling Hooves

I have received quite a few questions lately regarding difficulties with picking up and cleaning out horses hooves. In my experience teaching new riders, this is an unnerving chore for

Read More

Search

Comments

24 Responses

  1. Enjoyed the stretches. I need further explanation why these cant be done pre ride. Humans stretched before exercise so why wouldnt a horse. I also make sure i do at least a 10’ walk warm up with my horse

    1. Hi Brenda
      It’s advised not to stretch cold muscles as muscles are tighter when cold. You could actually pull or strain the muscle if stretching is done before they are warm. That includes stretching for humans too! Hope this helps!

      1. Found it!!! Dynamic vs static stretch! That would have been helpful for understanding. I was shown those same exercises by an equine vet to do before exercise. Misinformed!!! i will stick to my walking for Warm up and use the static stretches for post work. Thank you

  2. Hi
    Looks like the horse may or may not like this!!!
    Not mentioned but important to keep alignment with the horse when stretching !

  3. Ok so I’ve seen my barn owner do this, but she pulls the back legs straight back as opposed to leaving them bent. Is that better/worse? Is that particular horse just more flexible?

    1. Hi Emma,
      It sounds like you’re describing a similar stretch but perhaps that horse is able to give a fuller release? That would be just fine if the horse is able to do so. Hamstrings in particular are prone to overstretching, so always start lighter and let the horse give to your pulling. Likewise, it’s perfectly fine to do a more modified version if the horse has less range of motion.

  4. Wondering if good to give butt scratches to lift back. My mare usually lifts back alot with that, not so much with belly scratches. Thanks

  5. Love the horse stretches! Thank you. I want to also thank you for the equine massage website information. This is something I’ve always wanted to know more about and give a try.

  6. You provide such valuable information – it is wonderful that you are sharing this to help owners and their horses improve – in seemingly simple ways- but very valuable when done regularly !!!

  7. I love learning about equine massage! It takes so little time and has great benefits!
    I didn’t clearly hear the name of your equine massage website – could u spell it for me?
    Also, I’m interested in taking an on line equine massage course!
    Thank you!!!!!!
    Callie – I think I need to move closer to your barn so I can participate in more of your classes/courses/clinics! Love what u do!!!!

    1. Hi John,
      The precautions would be the same for older horses: don’t ever stretch cold muscles and be sure to allow the horse to release with you as you stretch – overstretched muscles could strain. Hope this helps!

  8. Andrea. Athletes stretch prior to running, or any athletic activities . Please provide tour scientific source.

  9. Andrea. Athletes stretch prior to running, or any athletic activities . Please provide your scientific source.

    1. Hi Brenda,

      I believe you’re correct for pre workout stretching, but you would warm up prior to stretching the muscles so they were not cold. My stretching sources for the horse video above are directly from the Equissage program. Thanks for checking!

  10. I’m hopeful these stretches, after warmed up, will help her hind legs be less heavy in my hand when I pick her feet. Thank you for showing the proper way to do these!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join Our HorseClass Social Community

Coming Soon!