Core strength - exercises for horse

[soloequestrian]

I watched a few more of the Equitopia videos and those lead me to videos of core strength exercises for horses (back lifts by tummy tickle or rub down the hindquarters). Does anyone do these with their horses routinely? With youngsters? How did you introduce them/ how often do you do them/ how have they helped.... etc.

 

[soloequestrian]

Hm, so given that 1300+ people have read this and none have replied, I'm guessing these type of exercises are not common!

 

[JillA]

I've just started to do the pelvis thing - my horse lifts really nicely from drawing a line down either side of his hindquarter muscles. But only just started so don't know how much/how long he will need to be able to lift his back under saddle. And he is 20 so it will be a long slow process. I just play with this stuff to see where it takes us so not that serious really - we are both semi retired lol

 

[sheep]

My physio showed me some interesting moves to engage core. Bit hard to describe but basically involved lifting a front leg and folding back, then pushing gently back from the chest without allowing any backwards steps - core muscles tighten to aid balance and the back lifts. She described it as horse pilates! Can do the the same from the side and diagonally, and make sure to do both legs obviously. It works well on our mare and I've tried to incorporate it into our stretching routine.

 

[Wheels]

There's a book / dvd combo called Activate Your Horse's Core'

Very good explanations and very useful. Some are carrot stretches, some more scratches based. My horse seems to enjoy them

 

[tallyho!]

Those are not really "exercises" more like mctimoney points...

I read and thought you meant pole work or cavaletti.

 

[meleeka]

There's a book / dvd combo called Activate Your Horse's Core'

Very good explanations and very useful. Some are carrot stretches, some more scratches based. My horse seems to enjoy them

Thanks I was looking for something like that.

I'm trying to do things with my pony as his back is quite dippy as he's been out of work for a few years. He's excellent at carrot stretches, not so keen on the lifts (drawing a line on his midline with my finger until he lifts his back. My physio showed me loads of things, most of which I've forgotten!

ETA- the book seems to be around £50! Anyone have one they want to sell?

 

[Wheels]

You can get it cheaper if you poke about a bit.

Tallyho has a point too - static core work can only get you so far - a targeted groundwork programme to include pole work among other things are also v important

 

[Casey76]

Check out Visconte Simon Cocozza on FB (and others), he has written a series of articles on horse yoga. If you email him, he will reply too, a very lovely, helpful man

 

[madamebonnie]

Slow cavaletti in walk is great for core strength. 3.4feet apart raised at both ends with potties is my exercise. Just let them go over it at their own pace, don't rush. The slower the better as it is like slow weight lifting. You can also do this from the ground.

My friend does a lot of carrot stretches with her horse who is pretty ancient. Recently the physio said he had fantastic back and core strength because of it. I find carrot stretches difficult as my horse is very snatchy with treats!

 

[tallyho!]

Check out Visconte Simon Cocozza on FB (and others), he has written a series of articles on horse yoga. If you email him, he will reply too, a very lovely, helpful man

He has some good ideas. Worth checking out.