active stretching -- carrots etc

[madgeymoo]

i am intrested in doing streching of horses for my dissertation looking at if it improves stride length, joint angles, back flexion etc etc

so was just wondering how many of us actually do stretch there horses with carrots etc what stretches do you completes and if so why and how many times a week etc

 

[lizness]

Hello,
I do carrot stretches with my mare. I try and do them everyday, I do 2 or 3 of each, bending round to side (each side) and to chest/between legs.
I ahve been doing these every day since my horse started having problems, August time. The bowen man who is currently treating my horse also recommended them, i have also had vet recommend them. My horse was diagnosed with arthritus in her neck (we are not sure if this is a correct diagnosis) so also continued due to this.

 

[Ali2]

I do stretches 2 - 3 times a week- 3 each - to right and left sides and between front legs. He also has his legs pulled forward and held for 20 seconds each time, 3 times each leg. He is suppler than before we started - been doing them for about 18 months now

 

[misterjinglejay]

I don't do them as much now Mister Jay is retired, but used to do them before and after riding. The between the legs, under the chest, point of shoulder, point of hip, down past the knees on the outside etc.
I thought they helped loosen him up - everyone else said they would teach him to nip!
They didn't

 

[ebonyallen]

I do them every other day. ~Three of each. Bending down between her front legs, standing to one side and bringing her towards and past me on each side, then standing to one side and taking her away to the other side.

 

[Burnttoast]

"My" owner and I do stretches and massage with her boy every day after work. He had some muscular problems and these were recommended by the McTimoney person who does him.

We do stretches back to the hip, high up, down between front legs. Massage neck, into shoulders, pecs. Wiggle his crest, massage poll area very gently. Front legs picked up and rotated then drawn forward until he "gives", hinds drawn forward under his body ditto. Tail stretched out behind and to each side. Back lifted usually with a knuckle along his midline underneath. He is much much softer and more flexible as a result, and ROM is improved (and he doesn't clamp down when you want to get under his tail!)

 

[canteron]

Have the new improved Carrot Stretch - the 'Apple on a Stick' stretch. What you do it put a bit of apple on a long stick and lean across the back of the horse so the horse stretches back on the opposite side to you.

I got this from H&C TV - for some reason I was watching the Kelly Marks thing that is on and this just seemed so much easier - and more effective - that the carrot stretches where I sometimes feel as if I am about to be mugged by my horse.

If that doesn't make any sense, it is running on H&C - pretty sure its episode 2 (if not episode 1!). She does it with Pie!!