stretching your horse before riding

[catherine22]

my horse has been really stiff since coming back into work and today I decided to stretch his from legs out and his back legs, similar to how a farrier would move them and he seemed much looser when I rode today so think I will make it part of my routine now

Does anyone else do this??

 

[lilym]

I stretch the front legs out before riding!

 

[Ranyhyn]

Yep I stretch Ed's front legs out before I ride!

 

[SecretSquirrell379]

Yes I stretch front legs out too before riding

 

[misterjinglejay]

I always walk my horse in hand for 5 to 10 mins, including circles so he crosses his hind legs and flexing etc

If time I'll also do carrot stretches before tacking up.

 

[only_me]

I always stretch front legs, especially when i have a stud girth to make sure that no skin is caught in legs. helps make sure there is no rubs as well

after riding i always stretch his back by turning his head towards his hinds and giving him a carrot each time.

 

[Jericho]

I pull front legs out after tacking up, and do carrot stretches between front hooves and to both sides before and after riding - on advice from physio. Helps strengthen their backs apparently

 

[alison_oliver]

i stretch out front legs before riding. May now also start doing carrot stretches to the sides, as this may help

 

[MissSBird]

I always stretch the front legs. My girl really loves to take advantage of it and leans right back on you!

 

[mil1212]

The last time I had a sports massage therapist out for my boy, she showed me some stretches to do, but told me only to do them after exercise when his muscles are warmed up. I stretch each leg (front and hind) forward and then back, and hold it for 10 seconds.
I also do carrot stretches for his neck.

Interestingly, I was watching some rodeo championships on the tele at the weekend (from the US) and they were interviewing a barrel racing queen and whilst chatting to her she was stretching her horses legs!

 

[amandaco2]

i stretch and warm them up when on board
i walk them round the school once before i get on, then spend at least the first 5mins in walk on a longish rein doing loads of circles plus some gentle lateral work, then do the same in trot.
warm down the same too.

 

[emma69]

You shouldn't stretch a cold horse - if you want to stretch their legs, you need to warm up for 10-15 mins first, as stretching cold muscles can cause injury.

 

[Araminta]

Be careful about over stretching cold muscles.

Much better to stretch after exercise.

Also, be careful not to pull forelegs out too far if you have been told to do that to stop the girth catching, The skin in this area is quite thin and if overstretched over a period of time will form wrinkles which will catch and rub the girth area.